Energy source supply systems, energy source supply devices, and related methods

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include a system. The system can comprise an energy source supply hub and an energy source supply appliance. The energy source supply hub can comprise a hub energy source supply system and a hub vehicle configured to transport the hub energy source supply system. Further, the hub energy source supply system can comprise a hub energy source supply subsystem configured to receive an energy source. Meanwhile, the energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source supply system and an appliance vehicle configured to transport the appliance energy source supply system. Further, the appliance energy source supply system can comprise an appliance energy source supply subsystem configured to receive the energy source from the hub energy source supply subsystem and to make available the energy source received to a receiver vehicle. Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/468,520, filed Mar. 8, 2017. U.S. Provisional Application No.62/468,520 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to energy source supply systems andenergy source supply devices, and relates more particularly to mobileenergy source supply devices configured to make available one or moreenergy sources to one or more vehicles, energy source supply systemsimplementing such mobile energy source supply devices, and relatedmethods.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

Due to an unavailability of an energy source in a particular region, itmay not be possible in the region to operate a vehicle that uses theenergy source for motive power. For example, unavailability in a regionof hydrogen energy sources and/or electrical energy sources may preventoperation of hydrogen electric, plug-in electric, and/or hybrid electricvehicles in the region. Accordingly, a need or potential for benefitexists for systems, devices, and methods that can allow a vehicle to beoperated in a region that lacks sufficient or any access to an energysource that the vehicle uses for motive power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the followingdrawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for a system, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a first appliance operating zone, asecond appliance operating zone, and a hub operating zone, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an energy sourcesupply system, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofproviding (e.g., manufacturing) a system;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an energy sourcesupply hub, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a hub energysource supply system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a first energysource supply appliance, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an applianceenergy source supply system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofproviding (e.g., manufacturing) an energy source supply device;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an applianceenergy source supply system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a secondappliance energy source supply subsystem, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an energy sourcesupply system, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an energy sourcesafety management system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofproviding (e.g., manufacturing) an energy source supply device;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an applianceenergy source supply system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a first applianceenergy source supply subsystem, according to the embodiment of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary activity of coupling a pressureregulator to one or more thermal control devices, according to theembodiment of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 20 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method;

FIG. 21 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity of selectingone of a first thermal control device or a second thermal control deviceto receive the hydrogen fuel energy source, according to the embodimentof FIG. 20 ;

FIG. 22 illustrates a front elevational view of an exemplary computersystem that is suitable to implement at least part of a controlsubsystem of the system of FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 14 , or at least part ofone or more of the methods described herein; and

FIG. 23 illustrates a representative block diagram of exemplary elementsincluded on the circuit boards inside a chassis of the computer systemof FIG. 22 .

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in thedrawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present invention. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capableof operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwisedescribed herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise. Two ormore electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but notbe mechanically or otherwise coupled together; two or more mechanicalelements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electricallyor otherwise coupled together; two or more electrical elements may bemechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwisecoupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g.,permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood andinclude coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a powersignal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electricalsignals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understoodand include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near theword “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. inquestion is or is not removable.

As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean withinplus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the statedvalue. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus orminus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the statedvalue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments include a system. The system can comprise an energysource supply hub and an energy source supply appliance. The energysource supply hub can comprise a hub energy source supply system and ahub vehicle configured to transport the hub energy source supply system.Further, the hub energy source supply system can comprise a first hubenergy source supply subsystem configured to receive a first energysource. Meanwhile, the energy source supply appliance can comprise anappliance energy source supply system and an appliance vehicleconfigured to transport the appliance energy source supply system.Further, the appliance energy source supply system can comprise a firstappliance energy source supply subsystem configured to receive the firstenergy source from the first hub energy source supply subsystem and tomake available the first energy source received from the first hubenergy source supply subsystem to a receiver vehicle. Also, the receivervehicle can comprise a drive system configured to use the first energysource received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receivervehicle.

Further embodiments include a method of providing a system. The methodcan comprise: providing an energy source supply hub; and providing anenergy source supply appliance. Meanwhile, providing the energy sourcesupply hub can comprise providing a hub energy source supply system, andthe hub energy source supply system can be configured to be transportedby a hub vehicle. Further, providing the hub energy source supply systemcan comprise providing a first hub energy source supply subsystemconfigured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, providing theenergy source supply appliance can comprise providing an applianceenergy source supply system, and the appliance energy source supplysystem can be configured to be transported by an appliance vehicle.Further, providing the appliance energy source supply system cancomprise providing a first appliance energy source supply subsystemconfigured to receive the first energy source from the first hub energysource supply subsystem and to make available the first energy sourcereceived from the first hub energy source supply subsystem to a receivervehicle. Also, the receiver vehicle can comprise a drive systemconfigured to use the first energy source received by the receivervehicle to motively power the receiver vehicle.

Further embodiments include a method. The method can comprise: moving anenergy source supply appliance proximal to an energy source supply hub,the energy source supply hub comprising a hub energy source supplysystem that is configured to be transported by a hub vehicle, and thehub energy source supply system comprising a first hub energy sourcesupply subsystem configured to make available a hydrogen fuel energysource; after moving the energy source supply appliance proximal to theenergy source supply hub, receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source fromthe energy source supply hub at an appliance energy source supplysubsystem of an appliance energy source supply system of the energysource supply appliance; after receiving the hydrogen fuel energy sourceat the appliance energy source supply subsystem, moving the energysource supply appliance proximal to a receiver vehicle; and after movingthe energy source supply appliance proximal to the receiver vehicle,supplying the hydrogen fuel energy source from the appliance energysource supply subsystem to the receiver vehicle, the receiver vehiclecomprising a drive system, and the drive system being configured to usethe first energy source received by the receive vehicle to motivelypower the receiver vehicle.

Further embodiments include a system. The system can comprise an energysource supply hub and an energy source supply appliance. The energysource supply hub can comprise a hub energy source supply system and ahub vehicle configured to transport the hub energy source supply system.Further, the hub energy source supply system can comprise a first hubenergy source supply subsystem configured to receive a first energysource. Meanwhile, the energy source supply appliance can comprise anappliance energy source supply system and an appliance vehicleconfigured to transport the appliance energy source supply system.Further, the appliance energy source supply system can comprise a firstappliance energy source supply subsystem configured to receive the firstenergy source from the first hub energy source supply subsystem, and asecond appliance energy source supply subsystem configured to receivethe first energy source from the first appliance energy source supplysubsystem, to convert the first energy source received from the firstappliance energy source supply subsystem to a second energy source, andto make available the second energy source to a receiver vehicle. Also,the receiver vehicle can comprise a drive system configured to use thefirst energy source received by the receiver vehicle to motively powerthe receiver vehicle.

Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. The energysource supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source supplysystem, which in turn can comprise a first appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem and a second appliance energy source supply subsystem.The first appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured toreceive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the second appliance energysource supply subsystem can be configured to make available a secondenergy source to a first receiver vehicle, and the second energy sourcecan be different from the first energy source. Further, the firstreceiver vehicle can comprise a first drive system, and the first drivesystem can be configured to use the second energy source received by thefirst receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle.

Further embodiments include a method of providing an energy sourcesupply appliance. The method can comprise providing an appliance energysource supply system. Meanwhile, providing the appliance energy sourcesupply system can comprise: providing a first appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem; and providing a second appliance energy source supplysubsystem. The first appliance energy source supply subsystem can beconfigured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the secondappliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to makeavailable a second energy source to a first receiver vehicle, and thesecond energy source can be different from the first energy source.Further, the first receiver vehicle can comprise a first drive system,and the first drive system can be configured to use the second energysource received by the first receiver vehicle to motively power thefirst receiver vehicle.

Further embodiments include a method. The method can comprise: using afirst appliance energy source supply subsystem of an appliance energysource supply system to make available a first energy source to a firstreceiver vehicle. The first receiver vehicle can comprise a first drivesystem configured to use the first energy source received by the firstreceiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle. Themethod also can comprise using a second appliance energy source supplysubsystem of the appliance energy source supply system to make availablea second energy source to a second receiver vehicle. The second receivervehicle can comprise a second drive system configured to use the secondenergy source received by the second receiver vehicle to motively powerthe second receiver vehicle. The first energy source can comprise ahydrogen fuel energy source, and the second energy source can comprisean electrical energy source.

Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. Theappliance energy source supply system can comprise an appliance energysource supply subsystem, and the appliance energy source supplysubsystem can comprise a pressure regulator, a first thermal controldevice, and a second thermal control device. The appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem can be configured to receive a hydrogen fuel energysource and to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to areceiver vehicle, and the receiver vehicle can comprise a drive systemconfigured to use the hydrogen fuel energy source received by thereceiver vehicle to motively power the receiver vehicle. Meanwhile, theappliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured so that thehydrogen fuel energy source is received by the pressure regulator beforethe hydrogen fuel energy source is made available to the receivervehicle, and the pressure regulator is configured to receive thehydrogen fuel energy source and to limit the hydrogen fuel energy sourceto a predetermined pressure when the pressure regulator receives thehydrogen fuel energy source. Further, the appliance energy source supplysubsystem can be configured so that the hydrogen fuel energy source isselectively received by one of the first thermal control device or thesecond thermal control device before the hydrogen fuel energy source ismade available to the receiver vehicle and after the hydrogen fuelenergy source is received by the pressure regulator, the first thermalcontrol device can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energysource and to cause a first temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuelenergy source when the first thermal control device receives thehydrogen fuel energy source, the second thermal control device can beconfigured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause asecond temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when thesecond thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy source,and the first temperature reduction is different than the secondtemperature reduction.

Further embodiments include a method of manufacturing an energy sourcesupply appliance. The method can comprise providing an appliance energysource supply system. Meanwhile, providing the appliance energy sourcesupply system can comprise providing an appliance energy source supplysubsystem, and providing the appliance energy source supply subsystemcan comprise: providing a pressure regulator; providing a first thermalcontrol device; and providing a second thermal control device. Theappliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to receive ahydrogen fuel energy source and to make available the hydrogen fuelenergy source to a receiver vehicle, and the receiver vehicle cancomprise a drive system configured to use the hydrogen fuel energysource received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receivervehicle. Meanwhile, the appliance energy source supply subsystem can beconfigured so that the hydrogen fuel energy source is received by thepressure regulator before the hydrogen fuel energy source is madeavailable to the receiver vehicle, and the pressure regulator isconfigured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to limit thehydrogen fuel energy source to a predetermined pressure when thepressure regulator receives the hydrogen fuel energy source. Further,the appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured so thatthe hydrogen fuel energy source is selectively received by one of thefirst thermal control device or the second thermal control device beforethe hydrogen fuel energy source is made available to the receivervehicle and after the hydrogen fuel energy source is received by thepressure regulator, the first thermal control device can be configuredto receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a firsttemperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the firstthermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy source, thesecond thermal control device can be configured to receive the hydrogenfuel energy source and to cause a second temperature reduction of thehydrogen fuel energy source when the second thermal control devicereceives the hydrogen fuel energy source, and the first temperaturereduction is different than the second temperature reduction.

Further embodiments include a method. The method can comprise: receivinga hydrogen fuel energy source at an appliance energy source supplysubsystem, wherein the appliance energy source supply subsystemcomprises a first thermal control device and a second thermal controldevice; after receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source at the applianceenergy source supply subsystem, limiting the hydrogen fuel energy sourceto a predetermined pressure; selecting one of the first thermal controldevice or the second thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source, wherein the first thermal control device is configured toreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a first temperaturereduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the first thermalcontrol device receives the hydrogen fuel energy source, the secondthermal control device is configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energysource and to cause a second temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuelenergy source when the second thermal control device receives thehydrogen fuel energy source, and the first temperature reduction isdifferent than the second temperature reduction; and after limiting thehydrogen fuel energy source to the predetermine pressure, and afterselecting the one of the first thermal control device or the secondthermal control device, making available the hydrogen fuel energy sourceto a receiver vehicle, wherein the receiver vehicle comprises a drivesystem configured to use the hydrogen fuel energy source received by thereceiver vehicle to motively power the receiver vehicle, and makingavailable the hydrogen fuel energy source to the receiver vehiclecomprises receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source at the one of thefirst thermal control device or the second thermal control device.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagramfor system 100, according to an embodiment. System 100 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. System100 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein.

As described in greater detail below, in many embodiments, system 100can be configured to make available one or more energy sources to one ormore vehicles (e.g., receiver vehicle(s) 109), and in some embodiments,system 100 can be configured to make available multiple different energysources to the vehicle(s). In these or other embodiments, system 100 caninclude one or more energy source supply devices (e.g., energy sourcesupply device(s) 101) that are configured to make available the energysource(s) to the vehicle(s). Accordingly, in many embodiments, system100 and the energy storage supply device(s) of system 100 can permit oneor more vehicles to be operated in one or more regions that lacksufficient or any access to one or more energy sources that thevehicle(s) make use of to provide motive power to the vehicle(s), and infurther embodiments, can optimally make available the energy source(s)to the vehicle(s).

In many embodiments, system 100 comprises one or more energy sourcesupply devices 101. Energy source supply device(s) 101 can comprise oneor more energy source supply appliances 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or one ormore energy source supply hubs 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106).Further, system 100 can comprise one or more energy source supplystations 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) and/or one or morereceiver vehicles 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receivervehicle 111). In some embodiments, one or more of energy source supplyhub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), one or more of energysource supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108),and/or one or more of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle110 and/or receiver vehicle 111) can be omitted.

In many embodiments, each of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receivervehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111) are configured to receive anenergy source, and each comprise a receiver vehicle drive system (e.g.,receiver vehicle drive system 112 and/or receiver vehicle drive system113) configured to motively power that receiver vehicle of receivervehicle(s) 109 by using the energy source received by the receivervehicle. For example, the term “motively power” can mean to cause tomove or to change position, to cause locomotion, or to propel.Accordingly, in many embodiments, the receiver vehicle drive system of areceiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 can refer to a propulsionsystem of the receiver vehicle. Further, in many embodiments, a receivervehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 can use the energy source received bythe receiver vehicle to motively power the receiver vehicle byconverting the energy source that is received into mechanical energy andusing the mechanical energy to do work that moves the receiver vehicle.

In some embodiments, when receiver vehicle(s) 109 comprise multiplereceiver vehicles, the energy sources received by the multiple receivervehicles can be the same for two or more receiver vehicles of themultiple receiver vehicles and/or different for two or more receivervehicles of the multiple receiver vehicles. Accordingly, two or morereceiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 and their respectivereceiver vehicle drive systems can be similar or identical to eachother, such as, for example, when the energy sources received by the twoor more receiver vehicles are the same; and/or two or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 and their receiver vehicle drivesystems can be different than each other, such as, for example, when theenergy sources received by the two or more receiver vehicles aredifferent.

In many embodiments, receiver vehicle(s) 109 can be any type or types ofvehicles. Exemplary type(s) of vehicles can comprise a car, a truck, amotorcycle, a bicycle, a scooter, a boat, a train, an aircraft, a spacecraft, an airport ground support equipment, a material handlingequipment (e.g., a fork-lift), etc. In some embodiments, two or morereceiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 can be the same type ofvehicle as each other; and/or two or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 can be different types of vehicles than each other.

In many embodiments, receiver vehicle(s) 109 can comprise receivervehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111. Further, receiver vehicle 110can comprise receiver vehicle drive system 112, and receiver vehicle 111can comprise receiver vehicle drive system 113.

Receiver vehicle 110 is configured to receive a first energy source, andreceiver vehicle drive system 112 is configured to motively powerreceiver vehicle 110 by using the first energy source received byreceiver vehicle 110. For example, in some embodiments, the first energysource can comprise a fuel energy source. Accordingly, in these or otherembodiments, receiver vehicle 110 can comprise a hydrogen fuel orhydrogen electric vehicle. In other embodiments, receiver vehicle 110can comprise a natural gas vehicle.

In some embodiments, when the first energy source comprises a fuelenergy source, receiver vehicle drive system 112 can comprise aninternal combustion engine configured to motively power receiver vehicle110 by combusting the fuel energy source. In these embodiments, the fuelenergy source can comprise any fuel energy source suitably configured tobe combusted by an internal combustion engine to motively power receivervehicle 110. For example, when receiver vehicle drive system 112comprises an internal combustion engine configured to motively powerreceiver vehicle 110 by combusting a fuel energy source, the fuel energysource can comprise a petroleum-based fuel (e.g., gasoline, petroleumdiesel, autogas, natural gas (e.g., compressed or liquefied naturalgas), aviation fuel, fuel oil, etc.), a coal-based fuel (e.g., gasoline,petroleum diesel, etc.), a vegetable oil, wood gas, a biofuel (e.g.,biobutanol, biodiesel, dimethyl ether, bioethanol, biomethanol, biogas,etc.), hydrogen, or the like.

In other embodiments, when the first energy source comprises a fuelenergy source, receiver vehicle drive system 112 can comprise one ormore fuel cells and one or more electric motors electrically coupled tothe one or more fuel cells. Further, the fuel cell(s) of receivervehicle drive system 112 can convert the fuel energy source intoelectricity and can make available the electricity to the electricmotor(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 112 to motively power receivervehicle 110. In these embodiments, the fuel energy source can compriseany fuel energy source suitably configured to be converted intoelectricity by the fuel cell(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 112.For example, when receiver vehicle drive system 112 comprises one ormore fuel cells configured to convert the fuel energy source intoelectricity and to make available the electricity to the electricmotor(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 112 to motively power receivervehicle 110, the fuel energy source can comprise hydrogen, methanol,natural gas (e.g., compressed or liquefied natural gas), methane,propane, butane, hexane, octane, salt water, or the like.

Meanwhile, receiver vehicle 111 is configured to receive a second energysource, and receiver vehicle drive system 113 is configured to motivelypower receiver vehicle 111 by using the second energy source received byreceiver vehicle 111. In many embodiments, the second energy source thatreceiver vehicle 111 is configured to receive can be different than thefirst energy source that receiver vehicle 110 is configured to receive.For example, in some embodiments, the second energy source can comprisean electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). Accordingly, in theseor other embodiments, receiver vehicle 111 can comprise a full electricor hybrid electric vehicle.

In some embodiments, when the second energy source comprises anelectrical energy source, receiver vehicle drive system 113 can compriseone or more rechargeable energy storage systems and one or more electricmotors electrically coupled to the rechargeable energy storagesystem(s). For example, in these embodiments, the rechargeable energystorage system(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 113 can store theelectrical energy source and can make available the electrical energysource to the electric motor(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 113 tomotively power receiver vehicle 110. Further, in these embodiments, therechargeable energy storage system(s) can comprise (a) one or moreelectrochemical cells (e.g., one or more batteries), (b) one or morecapacitive energy storage systems (e.g., super capacitors such aselectric double-layer capacitors), and/or (c) one or more inertialenergy storage systems (e.g., one or more flywheels).

In many embodiments, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 compriseenergy source supply appliance 103. Further, when energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 comprise multiple energy source supply appliances,energy source supply appliance(s) 102 also can comprise energy sourcesupply appliance 104. In some embodiments, when energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 comprise multiple energy source supply appliances, oneor more energy source supply appliances of the multiple energy sourcesupply appliances can be similar or identical to one or more otherenergy source supply appliances of the multiple energy source supplyappliances. In these or other embodiments, one or more energy sourcesupply appliances of the multiple energy source supply appliances can bedifferent than one or more other energy source supply appliances of themultiple energy source supply appliances. For example, in someembodiments, energy source supply appliance 104 and/or one or more otherenergy source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102can be similar or identical to energy source supply appliance 103.

Energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) each can beconfigured to make available one or more energy sources to receivervehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111).In many embodiments, at least one energy source supply appliance ofenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) can beconfigured to make available multiple different energy sources toreceiver vehicle(s) 109, such as, for example, when receiver vehicle(s)109 comprise two or more receiver vehicles configured to receivedifferent energy sources. As defined herein, a “unary energy sourcesupply appliance” can refer to an energy source supply appliance ofenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 that is configured to makeavailable one energy source to receiver vehicle(s) 109, and a “binaryenergy source supply appliance” can refer to an energy source supplyappliance of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 that is configured tomake available two different energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, energy source supply appliance 103 comprises anappliance energy source supply system 114. Appliance energy sourcesupply system 114 comprises first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 115. In some embodiments, appliance energy source supplysystem 114 also can comprise second appliance energy source supplysubsystem 116. In further embodiments, part or all of second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 can be part of first appliance energysource supply subsystem 115, and vice versa. In other embodiments,second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, energy source supply appliance 103 can be mobile.For example, in some embodiments, energy source supply appliance 103 cancomprise appliance vehicle 117, and appliance energy source supplysystem 114 can be transportable by appliance vehicle 117. In manyembodiments, appliance vehicle 117 can be any type of vehicle suitableto transport appliance energy source supply system 114, such as, forexample, a car, a truck, a boat, a train, an aircraft, a space craft,etc. In some embodiments, energy source supply system 114 can beseparated from appliance vehicle 117, such as when energy source supplysystem 114 is on a trailer that is pulled by appliance vehicle 117. Inother embodiments, energy source supply system 114 is integrated withand is not separable from appliance vehicle 117. Additional details ofappliance vehicle 117 are described below.

In some embodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115can make available the first energy source to one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110) thatare configured to receive the first energy source. In these or otherembodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can makeavailable the first energy source to second appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 116, such as, for example, so that second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 can convert (e.g., electrochemicallyconvert) the first energy source to the second energy source asdescribed in greater detail below. In other embodiments, first applianceenergy source supply subsystem 115 can make available the first energysource to second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 but not toreceiver vehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115can be configured to receive the first energy source so that firstappliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can make available thefirst energy source to (i) the one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110) that are configured toreceive the first energy source and/or (ii) second appliance energysource supply subsystem 116. For example, in some embodiments, firstappliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can be configured toreceive the first energy source from energy source supply hub(s) 105(e.g., energy source supply hub 106) and/or energy source supplystation(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108), as furtherdescribed below.

In these or other embodiments, first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 115 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the firstenergy source at first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 sothat first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can makeavailable the first energy source to (i) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110) thatare configured to receive the first energy source and/or (ii) secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116. In some embodiments, suchas, for example, when the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuelenergy source, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can beconfigured to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source at firstappliance energy source supply subsystem 115 from water, such as, forexample, using electrolysis. In these embodiments, first applianceenergy source supply subsystem 115 can be configured to receive water inorder to produce the hydrogen fuel energy source at first applianceenergy source supply subsystem 115. In other embodiments, such as, forexample, when the first energy source comprises an electrical energysource (i.e., electricity), first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 115 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the firstenergy source at first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 froma power plant, such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or awind energy power plant. In these embodiments, first appliance energysource supply subsystem 115 can comprise the power plant. In still otherembodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can beconfigured to receive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the firstenergy source made available by first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 115 to (i) the one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110) that are configured toreceive the first energy source and/or (ii) second appliance energysource supply subsystem 116.

In many embodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115can be configured to store the first energy source so that firstappliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can make available thefirst energy source to (i) the one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energy source(e.g., receiver vehicle 110) and/or (ii) second appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 116. In some embodiments, first appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 115 can comprise an appliance first energy sourcestorage capacity. In these or other embodiments, when the first energysource comprises a fuel energy source, first appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 115 can be configured to store the first energy sourceunder a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure so that firstappliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can store more of the firstenergy source in a smaller space.

Further, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can makeavailable the second energy source to one or more receiver vehicles ofreceiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111) that are configuredto receive the second energy source. In some embodiments, secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be configured toreceive the second energy source so that second appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 116 can make available the second energy source to theone or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that areconfigured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle111). In these or other embodiments, second appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 116 can be configured to convert (e.g.,electrochemically convert) the first energy source to the second energysource so that second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 canmake available the second energy source to the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111) thatare configured to receive the second energy source. For example, in someembodiments, the first energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel energysource or a natural gas fuel energy source, the second energy source cancomprise an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), and secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can convert (e.g.,electrochemically convert) the hydrogen fuel energy source or naturalgas energy fuel energy source to the electrical energy source, such as,for example, using one or more fuel cells. In other embodiments, thefirst energy source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,electricity), the second energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuelenergy source or a natural gas energy fuel energy source, and secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can convert (e.g.,electrochemically convert) the electrical energy source to the hydrogenfuel energy source or natural gas energy fuel energy source, such as,for example, using electrolysis or other electrochemical conversion.

In many embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116can be configured to receive the second energy source so that secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can make available thesecond energy source to the one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111) that are configured toreceive the second energy source. For example, in some embodiments,second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be configured toreceive the first energy source from first appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem 115, energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energysource supply hub 106), and/or energy source supply station(s) 107(e.g., energy source supply station 108), as further described below. Infurther embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116can be configured to receive the second energy source from energy sourcesupply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) and/or energysource supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108),as further described below.

In these or other embodiments, second appliance energy source supplysubsystem 116 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the secondenergy source at second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 sothat second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can makeavailable the second energy source to (i) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111) thatare configured to receive the second energy source. In some embodiments,such as, for example, when the second energy source comprises a hydrogenfuel energy source, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy sourceat second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 from water, suchas, for example, using electrolysis. In these embodiments, secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be configured toreceive water in order to produce the hydrogen fuel energy source atsecond appliance energy source supply subsystem 116. In otherembodiments, such as, for example, when the second energy sourcecomprises an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be configured toproduce (e.g., generate) the second energy source at second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 from a power plant, such as, forexample, a solar energy power plant or a wind energy power plant. Inthese embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116can comprise the power plant. In still other embodiments, secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be configured toreceive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy sourcemade available by second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 tothe one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g.,receiver vehicle 111) that are configured to receive the second energysource.

In many embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116can be configured to store the second energy source so that secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can make available thesecond energy source to the one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111) that are configured toreceive the second energy source. In some embodiments, second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 can comprise an appliance secondenergy source storage capacity. In these or other embodiments, when thesecond energy source comprises a fuel energy source, second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 can be configured to store the secondenergy source under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure so thatsecond appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can store more ofthe second energy source. As a specific example of an embodiment offirst appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 and second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116, the first energy source delivered byfirst appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 to receiver vehicle110 can be hydrogen or natural gas, and the second energy source deliverby second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 to receivervehicle 111 can be electricity.

Returning to other parts of appliance energy source supply appliance103, appliance vehicle 117 can comprise appliance vehicle drive system125, and appliance vehicle drive system 125 can be configured tomotively power appliance vehicle 117. In some embodiments, appliancevehicle drive system 125 can be configured to receive at least oneenergy source of the one or more energy sources made available toreceiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receivervehicle 111) by energy source supply appliance 103 to motively powerappliance vehicle 117. In other embodiments, appliance vehicle drivesystem 125 can use another energy source to motively power appliancevehicle 117.

In many embodiments, energy source supply hub(s) 105 can comprise energysource supply hub 106. In some embodiments, when energy source supplyhub(s) 105 comprise multiple energy source supply hubs, one or moreenergy source supply hubs of the multiple energy source supply hubs canbe similar or identical to one or more other energy source supply hubsof the multiple energy source supply hubs. In these or otherembodiments, when energy source supply hub(s) 105 comprise multipleenergy source supply hubs, one or more energy source supply hubs of themultiple energy source supply hubs can be different than one or moreother energy source supply hubs of the multiple energy source supplyhubs. In other embodiments, one or more other energy source supply hubsof energy source supply hub(s) 105 can be similar or identical to energysource supply hub 106.

Energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106)each can be configured to make available one or more energy sources to(i) one or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) one or more receiver vehiclesof receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receivervehicle 111). In some embodiments, at least one energy source supply hubof energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106)can be configured (i) to make available multiple different energysources to energy source supply appliance(s) 102, such as, for example,when energy source supply appliance(s) 102 comprise one or more binaryenergy source supply appliances and/or two or more unary energy sourcesupply appliances configured to make available different energy sourcesto receiver vehicle(s) 109, and/or (ii) to make available multipledifferent energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109. As defined herein,a “unary energy source supply hub” can refer to an energy source supplyhub of energy source supply hub(s) 105 that is configured to makeavailable one energy source to energy source supply appliance(s) 102and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109, and a “binary energy source supply hub”can refer to an energy source supply hub of energy source supply hub(s)105 that is configured to make available two different energy sources toenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 comprises hub energysource supply system 118. Hub energy source supply system 118 comprisesfirst hub energy source supply subsystem 119. In some embodiments, hubenergy source supply system 118 also can comprise second hub energysource supply subsystem 120. In other embodiments, second hub energysource supply subsystem 120 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 can be mobile. Forexample, in some embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 can comprisea hub vehicle 121, and hub energy source supply system 118 can betransportable by hub vehicle 121. In many embodiments, hub vehicle 121can be any type of vehicle suitable to transport hub energy sourcesupply system 118, such as, for example, a car, a truck, a boat, atrain, an aircraft, a space craft, etc. In some embodiments, energysource supply hub 106 can be larger than energy source supply appliance103. In some embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 can be separatedfrom hub vehicle 121, such as when energy source supply hub 106 is on atrailer that is pulled by hub vehicle 121. In other embodiments, energysource supply hub 106 is integrated with and is not separable from hubvehicle 106. Additional details of hub vehicle 126 are described below.

In some embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 canmake available the first energy source to (i) one or more energy sourcesupply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104)and/or (ii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109that are configured to receive the first energy source (e.g., receivervehicle 110). In these or other embodiments, first hub energy sourcesupply subsystem 119 can make available the first energy source tosecond hub energy source supply subsystem 120, such as, for example, sothat second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can convert (e.g.,electrochemically convert) the first energy source to the second energysource as described in greater detail below. In other embodiments, firsthub energy source supply subsystem 119 can make available the firstenergy source to second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 but not(i) energy source supply appliance(s) 102 and/or (ii) receivervehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can beconfigured to receive the first energy source so that first hub energysource supply subsystem 119 can make available the first energy sourceto (i) the one or more energy source supply appliances of energy sourcesupply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/orenergy source supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive thefirst energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iii) secondhub energy source supply subsystem 120. For example, in someembodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can beconfigured to receive the first energy source from energy source supplystation(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108), as furtherdescribed below.

In these or other embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem119 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the first energysource at first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 so that first hubenergy source supply subsystem 119 can make available the first energysource to (i) the one or more energy source supply appliances of energysource supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103and/or energy source supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or morereceiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured toreceive the first energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or(iii) second hub energy source supply subsystem 120. In someembodiments, such as, for example, when the first energy sourcecomprises a hydrogen fuel energy source, first hub energy source supplysubsystem 119 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the firstenergy source at first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 fromwater, such as, for example, using electrolysis. In these embodiments,first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can be configured toreceive water in order to produce the hydrogen fuel energy source atfirst hub energy source supply subsystem 119. In other embodiments, suchas, for example, when the first energy source comprises an electricalenergy source (i.e., electricity), first hub energy source supplysubsystem 119 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the firstenergy source at first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 from apower plant, such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or a windenergy power plant. In these embodiments, first hub energy source supplysubsystem 119 can comprise the power plant. In still other embodiments,first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can be configured toreceive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source madeavailable by first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 to (i) the oneor more energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles ofreceiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energysource (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iii) second hub energysource supply subsystem 120.

In many embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can beconfigured to store the first energy source so that first hub energysource supply subsystem 119 can make available the first energy sourceto (i) the one or more energy source supply appliances of energy sourcesupply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/orenergy source supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive thefirst energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iii) secondhub energy source supply subsystem 120. In many embodiments, first hubenergy source supply subsystem 119 can comprise a hub first energysource storage capacity. In further embodiments, the hub first energysource storage capacity can be greater than the appliance first energysource storage capacity described above with respect to energy sourcesupply appliance 103 and first appliance energy source supply subsystem115. For example, in some embodiments, the hub first energy sourcestorage capacity can be approximately 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times greaterthan the appliance first energy source storage capacity. In these orother embodiments, when the first energy source comprises a fuel energysource, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can be configuredto store the first energy source under pressure so that first hub energysource supply subsystem 119 can store more of the first energy source.In further embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 canbe configured to store the first energy source under a pressure greaterthan the pressure at which first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 115 stores the first energy source.

Further, in some embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem120 can make available the second energy source to (i) one or moreenergy source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supplyappliance 104) and/or (ii) one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energy source(e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In some embodiments, second hub energysource supply subsystem 120 can be configured to receive the secondenergy source so that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 canmake available the second energy source to (i) the one or more energysource supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g.,energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance104) and/or (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energy source(e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In these or other embodiments, second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to convert (e.g.,electrochemically convert) the first energy source to the second energysource so that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can makeavailable the second energy source to (i) the one or more energy sourcesupply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104)and/or (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109that are configured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receivervehicle 111). For example, in some embodiments, the first energy sourcecan comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source or a natural gas energy fuelenergy source, the second energy source can comprise an electricalenergy source (i.e., electricity), and second hub energy source supplysubsystem 120 can convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the hydrogenfuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuel energy source to theelectrical energy source, such as, for example, using one or more fuelcells. In other embodiments, the first energy source can comprise anelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity), the second energy sourcecan comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source or a natural gas energy fuelenergy source, and second appliance energy source supply subsystem 120can convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the electrical energysource to the hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuelenergy source, such as, for example, using electrolysis or otherelectrochemical conversion.

In many embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 canbe configured to receive the second energy source so that second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 can make available the second energysource to the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109(e.g., receiver vehicle 111) that are configured to receive the secondenergy source. For example, in some embodiments, second hub energysource supply subsystem 120 can be configured to receive the firstenergy source from first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 and/orenergy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station108), as further described below. In further embodiments, second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to receive thesecond energy source from energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g.,energy source supply station 108), as further described below.

In these or other embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem120 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the second energysource at second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 so that secondhub energy source supply subsystem 120 can make available the secondenergy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply appliances ofenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) theone or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that areconfigured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle111). In some embodiments, such as, for example, when the second energysource comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source, second hub energy sourcesupply subsystem 120 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) thesecond energy source at second hub energy source supply subsystem 120from water, such as, for example, using electrolysis. In theseembodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can beconfigured to receive water in order to produce the hydrogen fuel energysource at second hub energy source supply subsystem 120. In otherembodiments, such as, for example, when the second energy sourcecomprises an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to produce (e.g.,generate) the second energy source at second hub energy source supplysubsystem 120 from a power plant, such as, for example, a solar energypower plant or a wind energy power plant. In these embodiments, secondhub energy source supply subsystem 120 can comprise the power plant. Instill other embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120can be configured to receive but not to produce (e.g., generate) thesecond energy source made available by second hub energy source supplysubsystem 120 to (i) the one or more energy source supply appliances ofenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) theone or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that areconfigured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle111).

In many embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 canbe configured to store the second energy source so that second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 can make available the second energysource to (i) the one or more energy source supply appliances of energysource supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) the one or morereceiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured toreceive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In manyembodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can comprisea hub second energy source storage capacity. In further embodiments, thehub second energy source storage capacity can be greater than theappliance second energy source storage capacity described above withrespect to energy source supply appliance 103 and second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116. For example, in some embodiments,the hub second energy source storage capacity can be approximately 6, 7,8, 9, or 10 times greater than the appliance second energy sourcestorage capacity. In these or other embodiments, when the second energysource comprises a fuel energy source, second hub energy source supplysubsystem 120 can be configured to store the second energy source underpressure so that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can storemore of the second energy source. In further embodiments, second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to store the secondenergy source under a pressure greater than the pressure at which secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 116 stores the second energysource.

Returning to other parts of energy source supply hub 106, hub vehicle121 can comprise hub vehicle drive system 126, and hub vehicle drivesystem 126 can be configured to motively power hub vehicle 121. In someembodiments, hub vehicle drive system 126 can be configured to receiveat least one energy source of the one or more energy sources madeavailable to energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy sourcesupply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/orreceiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receivervehicle 111) by energy source supply hub 106 to be used to motivelypower hub vehicle 121. In other embodiments, hub vehicle drive system126 can use another energy source to motively power hub vehicle 121.

In many embodiments, energy source supply station(s) 107 can compriseenergy source supply station 108. In some embodiments, when energysource supply station(s) 107 comprise multiple energy source supplystations, one or more energy source supply stations of the multipleenergy source supply stations can be similar or identical to one or moreother energy source supply stations of the multiple energy source supplystations. In these or other embodiments, when energy source supplystations(s) 107 comprise multiple energy source supply stations, one ormore energy source supply stations of the multiple energy source supplystations can be different than one or more other energy source supplystations of the multiple energy source supply stations. In otherembodiments, one or more other energy source supply stations of energysource supply stations(s) 107 can be similar or identical to energysource supply station 108.

Energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station108) each can be configured to make available one or more energy sourcesto (i) one or more energy source supply hubs of energy source supplyhub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) one or more energysource supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g.,energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance104) and/or (iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s)109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In someembodiments, at least one energy source supply station of energy sourcesupply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) can beconfigured (i) to make available multiple different energy sources toenergy source supply hub(s) 105, such as, for example, when energysource supply hub(s) 105 comprise one or more binary energy sourcesupply hubs and/or two or more unary energy source supply hubsconfigured to make available different energy sources to energy sourcesupply appliance(s) 102 and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109, (ii) to makeavailable multiple different energy sources to energy source supplyappliance(s) 102, such as, for example, when energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 comprise one or more binary energy source supplyappliances and/or two or more unary energy source supply appliancesconfigured to make available different energy sources to receivervehicle(s) 109, and/or (iii) to make available multiple different energysources to receiver vehicle(s) 109. As defined herein, a “unary energysource supply station” can refer to an energy source supply station ofenergy source supply station(s) 107 that is configured to make availableone energy source to energy source supply hub(s) 105, energy sourcesupply appliance(s) 102, and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109, and a “binaryenergy source supply station” can refer to an energy source supplystation of energy source supply station(s) 107 that is configured tomake available two different energy sources to energy source supplyhub(s) 105, energy source supply appliance(s) 102, and/or receivervehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, energy source supply station 108 comprises stationenergy source supply system 122. Station energy source supply system 122comprises first station energy source supply subsystem 123. In someembodiments, station energy source supply system 122 also can comprisesecond station energy source supply subsystem 124. In other embodiments,second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, energy source supply station 108 can comprise afacility or plant configured to make available one or more energysources to (i) one or more energy source supply hubs of energy sourcesupply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) one or moreenergy source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supplyappliance 104) and/or (iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receivervehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111).In some embodiments, the facility or plant can be stationary orpermanently installed at a site (i.e., energy source supply station 108can be stationary). In some embodiments, the facility or plant can beconfigured to generate the one or more energy sources made available to(i) one or more energy source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s)105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) one or more energy sourcesupply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104)and/or (iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111).

First station energy source supply subsystem 123 can make available thefirst energy source to (i) one or more energy source supply hubs ofenergy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106),(ii) one or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) one or more receiver vehiclesof receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the firstenergy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110). In these or otherembodiments, first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can makeavailable the first energy source to second station energy source supplysubsystem 124, such as, for example, so that second station energysource supply subsystem 124 can convert (e.g., electrochemicallyconvert) the first energy source to the second energy source asdescribed in greater detail below. In other embodiments, first stationenergy source supply subsystem 123 can make available the first energysource to second station energy source supply subsystem 124 but not (i)energy source supply hub(s) 105, (ii) energy source supply appliance(s)102, and/or (iii) receiver vehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, first station energy source supply subsystem 123can be configured to receive the first energy source so that firststation energy source supply subsystem 123 can make available the firstenergy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubs of energysource supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) theone or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104), (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles ofreceiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energysource (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second stationenergy source supply subsystem 124. In some embodiments, such as, forexample, when the first energy source comprises an electrical energysource (i.e., electricity), first station energy source supply subsystem123 can be configured to receive the first energy source from a utilityelectric grid.

In these or other embodiments, first station energy source supplysubsystem 123 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the firstenergy source at first station energy source supply subsystem 123 sothat first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can make availablethe first energy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubsof energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106),(ii) the one or more energy source supply appliances of energy sourcesupply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/orenergy source supply appliance 104), (iii) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive thefirst energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to secondstation energy source supply subsystem 124. In some embodiments, suchas, for example, when the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuelenergy source, first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can beconfigured to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source at firststation energy source supply subsystem 123 from water, such as, forexample, using electrolysis. In these embodiments, first station energysource supply subsystem 123 can be configured to receive water in orderto produce the hydrogen fuel energy source at first station energysource supply subsystem 123. In other embodiments, such as, for example,when the first energy source comprises an electrical energy source(i.e., electricity), first station energy source supply subsystem 123can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source atfirst station energy source supply subsystem 123 from a power plant,such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or a wind energy powerplant. In these embodiments, first station energy source supplysubsystem 123 can comprise the power plant. In still other embodiments,first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can be configured toreceive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source madeavailable by first station energy source supply subsystem 123 to (i) theone or more energy source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105(e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy sourcesupply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104),(iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 thatare configured to receive the first energy source (e.g., receivervehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second station energy source supplysubsystem 124.

In many embodiments, first station energy source supply subsystem 123can be configured to store the first energy source so that first stationenergy source supply subsystem 123 can make available the first energysource to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubs of energy sourcesupply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) the one ormore energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104), (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles ofreceiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energysource (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second stationenergy source supply subsystem 124. In many embodiments, first stationenergy source supply subsystem 123 can comprise a station first energysource storage capacity. In further embodiments, the station firstenergy source storage capacity can be greater than the hub first energysource storage capacity described above with respect to energy sourcesupply hub 105 and first hub energy source supply subsystem 119. Forexample, in some embodiments, the station first energy source storagecapacity can be approximately 5-20 times greater than the hub firstenergy source storage capacity. In these or other embodiments, when thefirst energy source comprises a fuel energy source, first station energysource supply subsystem 123 can be configured to store the first energysource under pressure so that first station energy source supplysubsystem 123 can store more of the first energy source. In furtherembodiments, first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can beconfigured to store the first energy source under a pressure greaterthan the pressure at which first hub energy source supply subsystem 119stores the first energy source.

Further, in some embodiments, second station energy source supplysubsystem 124 can make available the second energy source to (i) one ormore energy source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g.,energy source supply hub 106), (ii) one or more energy source supplyappliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy sourcesupply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or(iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that areconfigured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle111).

In some embodiments, second station energy source supply subsystem 124can be configured to receive the second energy source so that secondstation energy source supply subsystem 124 can make available the secondenergy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubs of energysource supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) theone or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive thesecond energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In some embodiments,such as, for example, when the second energy source comprises anelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity), second station energysource supply subsystem 124 can be configured to receive the secondenergy source from a utility electric grid.

In these or other embodiments, second station energy source supplysubsystem 124 can be configured to convert (e.g., electrochemicallyconvert) the first energy source to the second energy source so thatsecond station energy source supply subsystem 124 can make available thesecond energy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubs ofenergy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106),(ii) the one or more energy source supply appliances of energy sourcesupply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/orenergy source supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) the one or morereceiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured toreceive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). Forexample, in some embodiments, the first energy source can comprise ahydrogen fuel energy source or a natural gas energy fuel energy source,the second energy source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,electricity), and second station energy source supply subsystem 124 canconvert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the hydrogen fuel energysource or the natural gas energy fuel energy source to the electricalenergy source, such as, for example, using one or more fuel cells. Inother embodiments, the first energy source can comprise an electricalenergy source (i.e., electricity), the second energy source can comprisea hydrogen fuel energy source or a natural gas energy fuel energysource, and second station energy source supply subsystem 124 canconvert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the electrical energy sourceto the hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuel energysource, such as, for example, using electrolysis or otherelectrochemical conversion. In some embodiments, second station energysource supply subsystem 124 can be configured to receive the firstenergy source from first station energy source supply subsystem 123.

In these or other embodiments, second station energy source supplysubsystem 124 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the secondenergy source at second station energy source supply subsystem 124 sothat second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can makeavailable the second energy source to (i) the one or more energy sourcesupply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy sourcesupply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply appliances ofenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104), and/or (iii)the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that areconfigured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle111). In some embodiments, such as, for example, when the second energysource comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source, second station energysource supply subsystem 124 can be configured to produce (e.g.,generate) the second energy source at second station energy sourcesupply subsystem 124 from water, such as, for example, usingelectrolysis. In these embodiments, second station energy source supplysubsystem 124 can be configured to receive water in order to produce thehydrogen fuel energy source at second station energy source supplysubsystem 124. In other embodiments, such as, for example, when thesecond energy source comprises an electrical energy source (i.e.,electricity), second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can beconfigured to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy source atsecond station energy source supply subsystem 124 from a power plant,such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or a wind energy powerplant. In these embodiments, second station energy source supplysubsystem 124 can comprise the power plant. In still other embodiments,second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can be configured toreceive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy sourcemade available by second station energy source supply subsystem 124 to(i) the one or more energy source supply hubs of energy source supplyhub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or moreenergy source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supplyappliance 104), and/or (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles ofreceiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energysource (e.g., receiver vehicle 111).

In many embodiments, second station energy source supply subsystem 124can be configured to store the second energy source so that secondstation energy source supply subsystem 124 can make available the secondenergy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubs of energysource supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) theone or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) the one or more receivervehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive thesecond energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In many embodiments,second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can comprise a stationsecond energy source storage capacity. In further embodiments, thestation second energy source storage capacity can be greater than thehub second energy source storage capacity described above with respectto energy source supply hub 105 and second hub energy source supplysubsystem 120. For example, in some embodiments, the station secondenergy source storage capacity can be approximately 5-15 times greaterthan the hub second energy source storage capacity. In these or otherembodiments, when the second energy source comprises a fuel energysource, second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can beconfigured to store the second energy source under pressure so thatsecond station energy source supply subsystem 124 can store more of thesecond energy source. In further embodiments, second station energysource supply subsystem 124 can be configured to store the second energysource under a pressure greater than the pressure at which second hubenergy source supply subsystem 120 stores the second energy source.

In many embodiments, system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s)101) can be configured to make available one or more energy sources toreceiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages. For example, in some embodiments,system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) can be configuredto make available one or more energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109in two stages. In these embodiments, energy source supply appliance(s)102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy sourcesupply appliance 104) can receive at least one energy source from energysource supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108)and, then, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy sourcesupply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) can makeavailable one or more energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g.,receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111).

In other embodiments, system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s)101) can be configured to make available one or more energy sources toreceiver vehicle(s) 109 in three stages. In these embodiments, energysource supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) canreceive at least one energy source from energy source supply station(s)107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) and, then, energy sourcesupply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) can makeavailable one or more energy sources to energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) and, then, energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) can make available one or more energysources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/orreceiver vehicle 111).

Meanwhile, although system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s)101) is generally described with respect to two and three stageimplementations herein, in further embodiments, the principles of system100 can be extended so that system 100 can be implemented with anysuitable number of stages. In these embodiments, the energy sourcestorage capacity, and in some embodiments, the storage pressures ofenergy source supply device(s) 101 can decrease as the stages approachvehicle(s) 109 and can increase as the stages approach energy sourcesupply station(s) 107.

Further, although energy source supply device(s) 101 are generallydescribed such that the first energy source, the second energy source,etc. remain consistent for each of energy source supply device(s) 101,in some embodiments, when energy source supply device(s) 101 comprisemultiple energy source supply devices, the types of energy sourcesimplemented for the first energy source, the second energy source, etc.can differ between two or more of the multiple energy source supplydevices. For example, in some embodiments, energy source supply station108 can implement a first energy source comprising an electrical energysource, and a second energy source comprising a hydrogen fuel energysource or a natural gas energy fuel energy source. Meanwhile, in theseor other embodiments, one or more of energy source supply hub 106,energy source supply appliance 103, and/or energy source supplyappliance 104 can implement a first energy source comprising thehydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuel energysource, and a second energy source comprising the electrical energysource. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the one or more of energysource supply hub 106, energy source supply appliance 103, and/or energysource supply appliance 104 can receive the second energy source ofenergy source supply station 108 as the first energy source of the oneor more of energy source supply hub 106, energy source supply appliance103, and/or energy source supply appliance 104.

Because system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) can beconfigured to make available one or more energy sources to receivervehicle(s) 109 in stages, system 100 (e.g., energy source supplydevice(s) 101) can advantageously permit vehicle(s) 109 to be operatedin one or more regions that lack sufficient or any access to the energysource(s) to otherwise permit operation of vehicle(s) 109 therein (i.e.,one or more unsupported regions). For example, in some embodiments,energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station108) may be located too far from the unsupported region(s) for energysource supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) todirectly make available the energy source(s) to vehicle(s) 109 whenvehicle(s) 109 are being operating in the unsupported region(s).Additional factors, including local driving conditions, weather, currentenergy source availability at energy source supply station(s) 107,operating conditions of vehicle(s) 109, etc., also may contribute todefining the unsupported region(s). However, because system 100 (e.g.,energy source supply device(s) 101) can be configured to make availablethe energy source(s) to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages, and becauseenergy source supply device(s) 101 can be mobile, system 100 (e.g.,energy source supply device(s) 101) can increase an effective servicerange of energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supplystation 108) in order to make available the energy source(s) in theunsupported regions.

Further, because system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101)can be configured to make available one or more energy sources toreceiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages, and because energy source supplydevice(s) 101 can be mobile, system 100 (e.g., energy source supplydevice(s) 101) can advantageously permit vehicle(s) 109 to optimallymake available the energy source(s) to receiver vehicle(s) 109. Forexample, in many embodiments, when multiple energy source supplydevice(s) 101 comprise multiple energy source supply devices, energysource supply device(s) 101 can be operated in multiple operating zonesto optimally make available the energy source(s) to receiver vehicle(s)109. Operating energy supply device(s) 101 in multiple operating zonescan permit energy source supply device(s) 101 to more quickly,cost-effectively, and/or capably make available one or more energysources to receiver vehicle(s) 109.

For example, when system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101)is being implemented to make available one or more energy sources toreceiver vehicle(s) 109 in three stages, and when energy source supplyhub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) are larger than energysource supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103and/or energy source supply appliance 104), energy source supply hub(s)105 may not be able to access receiver vehicle(s) 109 as quickly asenergy source supply appliance(s) 102 can or may not be able to accessreceiver vehicle(s) 109 at all, such as, for example, due to geographyand/or road infrastructure. Accordingly, in these or other embodiments,energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supplyappliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) can be operatedin one or more appliance operating zones and energy source supply hub(s)105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) can be operated in one or morehub operating zones. Further, the appliance operating zone(s) and thehub operating zone(s) can be positioned such that the applianceoperating zone(s) are near enough to the hub operating zone(s) to permitenergy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) tomake available the one or more energy sources to energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) while permitting energy source supplyappliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energysource supply appliance 104) to cover more territory than energy sourcesupply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) may be able tocover alone and/or while permitting energy source supply appliance(s)102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy sourcesupply appliance 104) to reach receiver vehicle(s) 109 more quicklywithin the appliance operating zone(s) than energy source supply hub(s)105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) may be able to do.

In some embodiments, two or more of the multiple operating zones inwhich system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) is beingoperated can overlap each other. For example, in some embodiments, oneor more appliance operating zones can overlap at least one hub operatingzone. In these or other embodiments, two or more appliance operatingzones can overlap each other. However, in other embodiments, one or moreappliance zones may not or even no appliance zones may overlap any huboperating zone(s) and/or another appliance zone.

In these or other embodiments, the configuration or configurations(e.g., location, shape, overlap, etc.) of the multiple operating zonesin which system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) is beingoperated can be determined according to one or more zone patternfactors. For example, the zone pattern factor(s) can be applied to oneor more algorithms configured to define the configuration orconfigurations (e.g., location, shape, overlap, etc.) of the multipleoperating zones in which system 100 (e.g., energy source supplydevice(s) 101) is being operated. Exemplary zone pattern factors caninclude traffic (e.g., actual and/or modeled), weather (e.g., actualand/or modeled), road placement, empirical testing, service requestsfrom one or more operators of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., by voice,email, text message, or any other suitable communication media),observations submitted by one or more operators of receiver vehicle(s)109 and/or energy source supply device(s) 101, etc. Further, in these orother embodiments, the zone pattern factor(s) can determine theposition(s) of energy source supply device(s) 101 and/or the manner ofoperation of energy source supply device(s) 101 within the multipleoperating zones in which system 100 (e.g., energy source supplydevice(s) 101) is being operated, and/or the travel time(s) to receivervehicle(s) 109 based on the position(s). In some embodiments, whenmultiple zone pattern factor(s) are considered, two or more zone patternfactor(s) can be weighted the same or differently than each other. Forexample, in many embodiments, travel time(s) can be weighted moreheavily than one or more other zone pattern factors. In someembodiments, the position(s) and/or travel time(s) of energy sourcesupply device(s) 101 can be determined from telemetry provided by theenergy source supply device(s) 101. In some embodiment, theconfigurations (e.g., locations, shapes, etc.) of the multiple operatingzones in which system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) isbeing operated, the position(s) of energy source supply device(s) 101within the multiple operating zones, and/or the manner of operation ofenergy source supply device(s) 101 within the multiple operating zonescan be changed or updated in real time.

Turning ahead briefly in the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram ofappliance operating zone 203, appliance operating zone 204, and huboperating zone 205, according to an embodiment. In many embodiments,appliance operating zone 203 can correspond to a first energy sourcesupply appliance, appliance operating zone 204 can correspond to asecond energy source supply appliance, and hub operating zone 205 cancorrespond to an energy source supply hub. In one embodiment, the firstenergy source supply appliance can be similar or identical to energysource supply appliance 103 (FIG. 1 ); the second energy source supplyappliance can be similar or identical to energy source supply appliance104 (FIG. 1 ); and the energy source supply hub can be similar oridentical to energy source supply hub 105 (FIG. 1 ). Further, applianceoperating zone 203 and appliance operating zone 204 can be similar oridentical to the appliance operating zones described above with respectto system 100 (FIG. 1 ), and hub operating zone 205 can be similar oridentical to one of the hub operating zones described above with respectto system 100 (FIG. 1 ). The size, geography, area, and/or shape ofappliance operating zones 203 and 204 can be similar or different fromeach other.

Turning again to FIG. 1 , in many embodiments, implementing system 100(e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) to make available one or moreenergy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages, and whenapplicable, in multiple operating zones, can be advantageous when one ofthe energy source(s) is a hydrogen energy source. For example, ahumidity of the hydrogen energy source, a purity of the hydrogen energysource, a temperature of the hydrogen energy source, and a pressure ofthe hydrogen energy source (collectively, a fuel quality of the hydrogenenergy source) can impact whether or not the hydrogen energy source canbe successfully made available to receiver vehicle(s) 109. Becausesystem 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) can permit energysource supply device(s) 101 to more quickly and/or capably makeavailable a hydrogen energy source to receiver vehicle(s) 109, a fuelquality of the hydrogen energy source can be better controlled. Forexample, by making available a hydrogen energy source to receivervehicle(s) 109 more quickly and/or capably, there is less opportunityfor the fuel quality of the hydrogen energy source to change (e.g.,degrade) between energy source supply station(s) 107 and receivervehicle(s) 109.

In many embodiments, when energy source supply device(s) 101 comprisemultiple energy source supply devices, one or more energy source supplydevices of the multiple energy source supply devices can be configuredto make available one or more energy sources to one or more other energysource supply devices of the multiple energy source supply devices, andvice versa. Further, in these embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) ofthe other energy source supply device(s) of the multiple energy sourcesupply devices can be configured to receive one or more of the energysource(s) from the energy source supply device(s) of the multiple energysource supply devices making available the energy source(s).

For example, in some embodiments, when energy source supply appliance(s)102 comprise multiple energy source supply appliances (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103 and energy source supply appliance 104), oneor more energy source supply appliances of the multiple energy sourcesupply appliances (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103) can beconfigured to make available one or more energy sources to one or moreother energy source supply appliances of the multiple energy sourcesupply appliances (e.g., energy source supply appliance 104), and viceversa. Further, in these embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of theother energy source supply appliance(s) of the multiple energy sourcesupply appliances can be configured to receive one or more of the energysource(s) from the energy source supply appliance(s) of the multipleenergy source supply appliances making available the energy source(s).

In these or other embodiments, when energy source supply hub(s) 105comprise multiple energy source supply hubs, one or more energy sourcesupply hubs of the multiple energy source supply hubs (e.g., energysource supply hub 106) can be configured to make available one or moreenergy sources to one or more other energy source supply hubs of themultiple energy source supply hubs, and vice versa. Further, in theseembodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of the other energy source supplyhub(s) of the multiple energy source supply hubs can be configured toreceive one or more of the energy source(s) from the energy sourcesupply hub(s) of the multiple energy source supply hubs making availablethe energy source(s).

In some embodiments, when energy source supply device(s) 101 comprisemultiple energy source supply devices, an energy source supply device ofenergy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance104) receiving one or more energy sources from another energy sourcesupply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy sourcesupply appliance 103) can simulate a receiver vehicle of receivervehicle(s) 109 so that the energy source supply device supplying the oneor more energy source(s) can be tested and/or calibrated. For example,in some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more voltage sensors, oneor more current sensors, etc.) of the energy source supply device ofenergy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance103) supplying the energy source(s) can be compared to one or moresensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressuresensors, one or more voltage sensors, one or more current sensors, etc.)of the energy source supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101(e.g., energy source supply appliance 104) receiving the energysource(s) to determine whether the sensor(s) of the energy source supplydevice supplying the energy source(s) provide the same or similar (e.g.,within a range of error acceptable to the operator of system 100)measurement values to the sensor(s) of the energy source supply devicereceiving the energy source(s). In some embodiments, one or more (e.g.,all) of energy source supply device(s) 101 can be tested and/orcalibrated by one or more others of energy source supply device(s) 101,such as, for example, when at least one other energy source supplydevice of energy source supply device(s) 101 configured to makeavailable the same energy source(s) as the energy source supplydevice(s) that are tested and/or calibrated is implemented with system100. In further embodiments, an energy source supply device of energysource supply device(s) 101 that is configured to make available one ormore but not all of the energy sources made available by the energysource supply device being tested and/or calibrated may, in someembodiments, be able to be used for testing and/or calibrating at leastpart of the energy source supply device being tested and/or calibrated.

Simulating a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 with an energysource supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 104) to test and/or calibrate another energysource supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103) rather than testing and/or calibrating theother energy source supply device with a receiver vehicle of receivervehicle(s) 109 can be advantageous for one or more reasons. In someembodiments, simulating a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109with an energy source supply device of energy source supply device(s)101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 104) to test and/or calibrateanother energy source supply device of energy source supply device(s)101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103) rather than testingand/or calibrating the other energy source supply device with a receivervehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 advantageously may permit the energysource supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 to be testedand/or calibrated over a wider range of sensed values (e.g., pressure,temperature, voltage, current, etc.) than may be possible when areceiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 is used. For example, when areceiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 is equipped with one or moredevices configured to limit an operational range of the receivervehicle, such as, for example, for purposes of safety and/or to mitigatewear on the receiver vehicle, and when the operational range of thereceiver vehicle is smaller than an operational range of the energysource supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energysource supply appliance 103) being tested and/or calibrated, simulatingthe receiver vehicle with another energy source supply device of energysource supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 104)can permit the energy source supply device of energy source supplydevice(s) 101 being tested and/or calibrated to be calibrated and/ortested outside of the limited operational range of the receiver vehicle.In these or other embodiments, simulating a receiver vehicle of receivervehicle(s) 109 with an energy source supply device of energy sourcesupply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 104) to testand/or calibrate another energy source supply device of energy sourcesupply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103) ratherthan testing and/or calibrating the other energy source supply devicewith a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 advantageously mayprevent damage to the receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary blockdiagram for energy source supply system 300, according to an embodiment.Energy source supply system 300 is merely exemplary and is not limitedto the embodiments presented herein. Energy source supply system 300 canbe employed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein.

In some embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can be similar oridentical to appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ), andvice versa. Accordingly, in these embodiments, energy source supplysystem 300 can be used to implement appliance energy source supplysystem 114 (FIG. 1 ) in system 100 (FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments,energy source supply system 300 can be similar or identical to hubenergy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa. According, inthese embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can be used toimplement hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ) in system 100(FIG. 1 ).

In many embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can comprise firstenergy source supply subsystem 301. In further embodiments, energysource supply system 300 can comprise second energy source supplysubsystem 302, safety, diagnostic, and telemetry (SDT) subsystem 303,communication subsystem 321, control subsystem 324, and/or electricpower subsystem 325. However, in other embodiments, second energy sourcesupply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, communication subsystem 321,control subsystem 324, and/or electric power subsystem 325 can beomitted. Further, in some embodiments, part or all of second energysource supply subsystem 302 can be part of first energy source supplysubsystem 301, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy source supplysystem 300 is similar or identical to appliance energy source supplysystem 114 (FIG. 1 ), first energy source supply subsystem 301 can besimilar or identical to first appliance energy source supply subsystem115 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa. In other embodiments, such as, forexample, when energy source supply system 300 is similar or identical tohub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), first energy sourcesupply subsystem 301 can be similar or identical to first hub energysource supply subsystem 119 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa.

For example, in some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem301 can be configured to make available a first energy source to secondenergy source supply subsystem 302, receiver vehicle 304, and/or energysource supply appliance 305. Further, the first energy source cancomprise a hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., a gaseous or liquidhydrogen fuel energy source), and the second energy source can comprisean electrical energy source. In many embodiments, receiver vehicle 304can be similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 (FIG. 1 )). In these or other embodiments,energy source supply appliance 305 can be similar or identical to one ofenergy source supply appliances 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy sourcesupply appliance 103 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energy source supply appliance 104(FIG. 1 )). In other embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem301 can make available the first energy source to second energy sourcesupply subsystem 302 but not to receiver vehicle 304 and/or energysource supply appliance 305.

In these or other embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem 301can comprise first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 306,one or more buffering storage vessels 307, thermal management system308, compression system 309, one or more holding storage vessels 310,one or more holding storage vessel pressure regulators 311, first energysource supply subsystem output mechanism 312, and cascade control system313. In some embodiments, as described further herein, buffering storagevessel(s) 307, thermal management system 308, compression system 309,holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311, and/or cascade controlsystem 313 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 306 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energysource. In implementation, first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 306 can comprise one or more receptacles (e.g., one or morefittings) suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source. In manyembodiments, such as, for example, when energy source supply system 300is similar or identical to hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 306 can receivethe hydrogen fuel energy source from an energy storage supply station.Further, the energy storage supply station can be similar or identicalto one of energy storage supply station(s) 107 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energystorage supply station 108 (FIG. 1 )). In some embodiments, such as, forexample, when energy source supply system 300 is similar or identical toappliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ), first energy sourcesupply subsystem input mechanism 306 can receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source from an energy storage supply hub and/or the energy sourcesupply station. Further, the energy storage supply hub can be similar oridentical to one of energy storage supply hub(s) 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g.,energy storage supply hub 106 (FIG. 1 )).

In many embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 307 can be configuredto receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from first energy sourcesupply subsystem input mechanism 306 and to store the hydrogen fuelenergy source. Accordingly, in some embodiments, buffering storagevessel(s) 307 can be coupled to first energy source supply subsysteminput mechanism 306, such as, for example, by one or more conduits. Inimplementation, buffering storage vessel(s) 307 can comprise one or moretanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy source. In furtherembodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 307 can store (e.g.,temporarily store) the hydrogen fuel energy source until the hydrogenfuel energy source can be received by compression system 309.

In many embodiments, compression system 309 can be configured to receivethe hydrogen fuel energy source from buffering storage vessel(s) 307.Accordingly, in some embodiments, compression system 309 can be coupledto buffering storage vessel(s) 307, such as, for example, by one or moreconduits. Further, compression system 309 can be configured to compressthe hydrogen fuel energy source to increase a pressure of the hydrogenfuel energy source and to provide the compressed hydrogen fuel energysource to holding storage vessel(s) 310. In implementation, compressionsystem 309 can comprise a hydrogen compressor.

In many embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be configured toreceive and store the hydrogen fuel energy source. When bufferingstorage vessel(s) 307 and compression system 309 are implemented,holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be coupled to compression system 309,such as, for example, by one or more conduits, to receive the hydrogenfuel energy source from compression system 309 (e.g., after the hydrogenfuel energy source is compressed by compression system 309). Meanwhile,when buffering storage vessel(s) 307 and compression system 309 areomitted, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be coupled (e.g., directlycoupled) to first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 306,such as, for example, by one or more conduits, to receive the hydrogenfuel energy source from first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 306. Nonetheless, in many embodiments, implementing bufferingstorage vessel(s) 307 and compression system 309 can advantageouslypermit holding storage vessel(s) 310 to store more of the hydrogen fuelenergy source.

In implementation, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can comprise one ormore tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy source. In manyembodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can comprise an aggregatestorage capacity, and in some embodiments, each holding storage vesselof holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be configured to store the hydrogenfuel energy source approximately at or below a predetermined storagepressure. In some embodiments, the aggregate storage capacity of holdingstorage vessel(s) 310 can be greater than or equal to approximately 8kilograms and less than or equal to approximately 73 kilograms. Forexample, the aggregate storage capacity of holding storage vessel(s) 310can be approximately 8.4 kilograms. Further, in these or otherembodiments, the predetermined storage pressure of holding storagevessel(s) 310 can be greater than or equal to approximately 34.47Megapascals (gauge) and less than or equal to approximately 68.95Megapascals (gauge).

In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 312 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energysource from holding storage vessel(s) 310 and to make available thehydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source supply subsystem302, receiver vehicle 304, and/or energy source supply appliance 305.Accordingly, in some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystemoutput mechanism 312 can be coupled to holding storage vessel(s) 310,such as, for example, by one or more conduits. In implementation, firstenergy source supply subsystem output mechanism 312 can comprise one ormore hoses and/or nozzles suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energysource and to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to receivervehicle 304 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. Further, whenenergy source supply system 300 comprises second energy source supplysubsystem input 314, first energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 312 can comprise one or more conduits configured to makeavailable the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source supplysubsystem input 314, which is described further below. In someembodiments, first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 312can be configured to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source tosecond energy source supply subsystem 302 but not to receiver vehicle304 and/or energy source supply appliance 305.

In many embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311can be configured to limit a pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy sourcethat is provided by compression system 309 to holding storage vessel(s)310, such as, for example, via cascade control system 313. Inimplementation, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 cancomprise one or more pressure regulation valves. Further, holdingstorage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can be between compressionsystem 309 and holding storage vessel(s) 310. Accordingly, in someembodiments, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can becoupled to compression system 309, such as, for example, by one or moreconduits, and to cascade control system 313 or holding storage vessel(s)310, such as, for example, by one or more conduits. In these or otherembodiments, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can beimplemented to prevent the pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy sourcebeing provided to holding storage vessel(s) 310 from exceeding thepredetermined storage pressure of holding storage vessel(s) 310, therebypreventing damage to holding storage vessel(s) 310 and/or injury to theoperator of energy source supply system 300. Nonetheless, in someembodiments, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can beomitted, such as, for example, when compression system 309 is omitted.

In many embodiments, cascade control system 313 can be implemented whenholding storage vessel(s) 310 comprise multiple holding storage vessels.In particular, cascade control system 313 can be configured to controlfilling (e.g., by compression system 309 or first energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 306) of the multiple holding storage vesselswith the hydrogen fuel energy source in a cascading manner and/ordispensing of the hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., to first energysource supply subsystem output mechanism 312) from the multiple holdingstorage vessels in a cascading manner. In other embodiments, cascadecontrol system 313 can be omitted, such as, for example, when holdingstorage vessel(s) 310 comprise only one holding storage vessel.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3 , in many embodiments, when energysource supply system 300 comprises cascade control system 313, cascadecontrol system 313 can be between holding storage vessel(s) 310 and oneof first energy source subsystem input mechanism 306, buffering storagevessel(s) 307, compression system 309, or holding storage vesselpressure regulator(s) 311. Accordingly, in some embodiments, cascadecontrol system 313 can be coupled to holding storage vessel(s) 310 andat least one of first energy source subsystem input mechanism 306,buffering storage vessel(s) 307, compression system 309, or holdingstorage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311, such as, for example, by oneor more conduits.

In other embodiments, when energy source supply system 300 comprisescascade control system 313, cascade control system 313 can be betweenholding storage vessel(s) 310 and first energy source subsystem outputmechanism 312. Accordingly, in some embodiments, cascade control system313 can be coupled to holding storage vessel(s) 310 and first energysource subsystem output mechanism 312, such as, for example, by one ormore conduits.

In many embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be configured tothermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of first energy sourcesupply subsystem 301 (e.g., holding storage vessel(s) 310) to prevent ormitigate thermal stress on energy source supply system 300. In someembodiments, thermally managing (e.g., cooling) holding storagevessel(s) 310 can prevent holding storage vessel(s) 310 from overheatingwhen holding storage vessel(s) 310 are supplying the hydrogen fuelenergy source to first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism312. For example, in many embodiments, thermal management system 308 canbe in thermal communication with holding storage vessel(s) 310.

In implementation, thermal management system 308 can comprise anysuitable device or devices configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool)at least part of first energy source supply subsystem 301 (e.g., holdingstorage vessel(s) 310). For example, in some embodiments, thermalmanagement system 308 can comprise one or more heat sinks, one or morethermoelectric coolers, one or more forced air devices (e.g., one ormore fans), etc.

In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy source supplysystem 300 is similar or identical to appliance energy source supplysystem 114 (FIG. 1 ), second energy source supply subsystem 302 can besimilar or identical to second appliance energy source supply subsystem116 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa. In other embodiments, such as, forexample, when energy source supply system 300 is similar or identical tohub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), second energy sourcesupply subsystem 302 can be similar or identical to second hub energysource supply subsystem 120 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa.

For example, in many embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem302 can be configured to make available a second energy source toreceiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. Further,the second energy source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,electricity). In many embodiments, receiver vehicle 320 can be similaror identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receivervehicle 111 (FIG. 1 )). In some embodiments, second appliance energysource supply subsystem 302 can make available the second energy sourceto receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305 whenfirst appliance energy source supply subsystem 301 is making availablethe first energy source to receiver vehicle 304 and/or energy sourcesupply appliance 305, and vice versa.

In these or other embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem 302can comprise second energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 314,fuel cell system 315, electric power converter 323, electrical energystorage system 316, electric power converter 317, output control system319, second energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 318, and/orthermal management system 308. In some embodiments, electrical energystorage system 316, electric power converter 317, and/or thermalmanagement system 308 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 314 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energysource from first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 312.Accordingly, in some embodiments, second energy source supply subsysteminput mechanism 314 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to firstenergy source supply subsystem output mechanism 312 in order to receivethe hydrogen fuel energy source, such as, for example, by one or moreconduits.

In implementation, second energy source supply subsystem input mechanism314 can comprise one or more receptacles (e.g., one or more fittings)suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from first energysource supply subsystem output mechanism 312.

In many embodiments, fuel cell system 315 can be configured to receivethe hydrogen fuel energy source from second energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 314 and to convert (e.g., electrochemicallyconvert) the hydrogen fuel energy source to the electrical energy source(i.e., electricity). Accordingly, fuel cell system 315 can be coupled(e.g., directly coupled) to second energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 314 in order to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source, suchas, for example, by one or more conduits.

In implementation, fuel cell system 315 can comprise one or more fuelcells. The fuel cell(s) can be configured to convert (e.g.,electrochemically convert) the hydrogen fuel energy source to theelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity). In many embodiments, thefuel cell(s) can comprise one or more fuel cells suitable for converting(e.g., electrochemically converting) the hydrogen fuel energy source tothe electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). For example, in someembodiments, the fuel cell(s) can comprise one or more proton exchangemembrane fuel cells or one or more solid oxide fuel cells. Further, insome embodiments, the fuel cell(s) can comprise, collectively, a fuelcell power output of greater than or equal to approximately 30 kilowattsand less than or equal to approximately 60 kilowatts.

Further, fuel cell system 315 can comprise a fuel cell input regulator,a fuel cell controller, and/or a fuel cell system packaging. In these orother embodiments, the fuel cell input regulator can control how much ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source is received by the fuel cell(s) fromsecond energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 314, and the fuelcell controller can control the output voltage of the fuel cell(s). Forexample, in some embodiments, the fuel cell input regulator can comprisea regulator valve. Further, the fuel cell controller can comprise amicrocontroller configured to monitor and control one or more conditions(e.g., humidity, temperature, etc.) of the fuel cell(s). Further still,fuel cell system packaging can comprise any suitable enclosureconfigured to protect fuel cell system 315 and/or to aid in thermallymanaging fuel cell system 315. In some embodiments, one or more of thefuel cell input regulator, the fuel cell controller, and/or the fuelcell system packaging can be omitted.

In many embodiments, electric power converter 323 can be configured toreceive the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) from fuel cellsystem 315 and to convert a voltage of the electrical energy source.Accordingly, in some embodiments, fuel cell system 315 can be coupled(e.g., directly coupled and/or electrically coupled) to electric powerconverter 323 in order for electric power converter 323 to receive theelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity).

In implementation, electric power converter 323 can comprise a directcurrent to direct current converter (e.g., a voltage regulator).Further, electric power converter 323 can comprise an electric powerconverter packaging. The electrical power converter packaging cancomprise any suitable enclosure configured to protect electric powerconverter 323 and/or to aid in thermally managing electric powerconverter 323.

In many embodiments, electrical energy storage system 316 can beconfigured to receive the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity)from electric power converter 323 and to store the electrical energysource. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when electrical energy storagesystem 316 is implemented, electrical energy storage system 316 can becoupled (e.g., directly coupled and/or electrically coupled) to electricpower converter 323 in order to receive the electrical energy source(i.e., electricity).

In implementation, electrical energy storage system 316 can comprise oneor more electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell(s) can beconfigured to receive the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity)and to store the electrical energy source. For example, in someembodiments, the electrochemical cell(s) can comprise one or morelithium-ion electrochemical calls. Further, in some embodiments, theelectrochemical cell(s) can comprise, collectively, an electrochemicalcell power output of greater than or equal to approximately 50 kilowattsand less than or equal to approximately 100 kilowatts.

Further, electrical energy storage system 316 can comprise a cellframework and electrical backbone, a battery management system, and anelectrical energy storage system packaging the cell framework andelectrical backbone can comprise an electrical network configured toelectrically couple together the electrochemical cell(s) and the batterymanagement system. Further, the battery management system can comprise amicrocontroller configured to monitor and control the electrochemicalcell(s). Further still, the electrical energy storage system packagingcan comprise any suitable enclosure configured to protect electricalenergy storage system 316 and/or to aid in thermally managing electricalenergy storage system 316. In some embodiments, one or more of the cellframework and electrical backbone, the battery management system, andthe electrical energy storage system packaging the cell framework andelectrical backbone can be omitted.

In many embodiments, electric power converter 317 can be configured toreceive the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) from electricalenergy storage system 316 and to convert a voltage and/or type ofcurrent of the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity).Accordingly, in some embodiments, when electric power converter 317 isimplemented, electric power converter 317 can be coupled (e.g., directlycoupled and/or electrically coupled) to electrical energy storage system316 in order to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,electricity).

In implementation, electric power converter 317 can comprise a directcurrent to alternating current converter (e.g., a power inverter). Inthese or other embodiments, electric power converter 317 can comprise adirect current to direct current converter (e.g., a voltage regulator).Further, in these or other embodiments, electric power converter 317 canbe configured to operate over a range of greater than or equal toapproximately 48 volts and less than or equal to approximately 480volts. Further, electric power converter 317 can comprise an electricpower converter packaging. The electrical power converter packaging cancomprise any suitable enclosure configured to protect electric powerconverter 317 and/or to aid in thermally managing electric powerconverter 317.

In many embodiments, output control system 319 can be configured toreceive the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) from one ofelectric power converter 323, electrical energy storage system 316, orelectric power converter 317 and to condition or produce the electricalenergy source (i.e., electricity) to comply with the electric chargingprotocol applying to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supplyappliance 305. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when electric powerconverter 317 is implemented, output control system 319 can be coupled(e.g., directly coupled and/or electrically coupled) to electric powerconverter 317. In other embodiments, when electrical energy storagesystem 316 is implemented and electric power converter 317 is omitted,output control system 319 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled and/orelectrically coupled) to electrical energy storage system 316. In stillother embodiments, when electrical energy storage system 316 andelectrical power converter 317 are omitted, output control system 319can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled and/or electrically coupled) toelectric power converter 323.

In implementation, output control system 319 can comprise a batteryelectric vehicle charging system.

In many embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 318 can be configured to receive the electrical energy source(i.e., electricity) from output control system 319 and to make availablethe electrical energy source to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energysource supply appliance 305. Accordingly, in some embodiments, secondenergy source supply subsystem output mechanism 318 can be coupled(e.g., directly coupled and/or electrically coupled) to output controlsystem 319.

In implementation, second energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 318 can comprise one or more electrical connectors suitable toreceive the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) and to makeavailable the electrical energy source to receiver vehicle 320 and/orenergy source supply appliance 305. In some embodiments, the electricalconnector(s) can comprise one or more electrical lines configured toconvey the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) to electricalenergy source to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supplyappliance 305. In these or other embodiments, the electricalconnector(s) can comprise one or more data lines configured to transferdata between energy source supply system 300 and receiver vehicle 320and/or energy source supply appliance 305. In many embodiments, theelectrical connector(s) can be configured to operate according to anysuitable charging protocol or charging protocols. For example, exemplarycharging protocols can include the J1772 charging protocol establishedby the Society of Automotive Engineers of Warrendale, Pa., United Statesof America, the CHAdeMO charging protocol established by the CHAdeMOAssociation of Paris, France, the Tesla charging protocol established byTesla, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., United States of America, etc.

In some embodiments, when the electrical connector(s) comprise multipleelectrical connectors, two or more of the multiple electrical connectorscan be configured with the same charging protocols. In these or otherembodiments, when the electrical connector(s) comprise multipleelectrical connectors, two or more of the multiple electrical connectorscan be configured with different charging protocols. In furtherembodiments, when the electrical connector(s) comprise multipleelectrical connectors, and when two or more of the multiple electricalconnectors are configured with different charging protocols, outputcontrol system 319 can adaptively condition or produce the electricalenergy source (i.e., electricity) to comply with the different chargingprotocols, as needed.

In many embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be configured tothermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of second energy sourcesupply subsystem 302 (e.g., fuel cell system 315, electric powerconverter 323, electrical energy storage system 316, electric powerconverter 317, and/or output control system 319). Thermally managingsecond energy source supply subsystem 302 (e.g., fuel cell system 315,electric power converter 323, electrical energy storage system 316,electric power converter 317, and/or output control system 319) canimprove an operating efficiency of second energy source supply subsystem302 (e.g., fuel cell system 315, electrical energy storage system 316,electric power converter 317, and/or output control system 319).Further, thermally managing electric power converter 317 canadvantageously help to dissipate heat generated by operating electricpower converter 317 over a wide operating voltage range. For example, inmany embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be in thermalcommunication with fuel cell system 315, electric power converter 323,electrical energy storage system 316, electric power converter 317,and/or output control system 319.

In implementation, thermal management system 308 can comprise anysuitable device or devices configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool)at least part of second energy source supply subsystem 302 (e.g., fuelcell system 315, electric power converter 323, electrical energy storagesystem 316, electric power converter 317, and/or output control system319). For example, in some embodiments, thermal management system 308can comprise one or more heat sinks, one or more thermoelectric coolers,one or more forced air devices (e.g., one or more fans), etc.

In some embodiments, implementing fuel cell system 315 and electricalenergy storage system 316 can permit second energy source supplysubsystem 302 to make available the electrical energy source (i.e.,electricity) to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supplyappliance 305 in a direct current to direct current fast charging modethat can approximately fully charge one or more rechargeable energystorage systems of a receiver vehicle drive system of receiver vehicle320 and/or one or more rechargeable energy storage systems of anappliance energy source supply system of energy source supply appliance305 in less than or equal to approximately 5 or 10 minutes.

In these or other embodiments, fuel cell system 315 advantageously canbe configured to operate in a load-following manner such that fuel cellsystem 315 can convert the hydrogen fuel energy source to the electricalenergy source (i.e., electricity) on an as-needed basis. For example,being able to operate fuel cell system 315 in a load-following mannercan be advantageous because energy source supply system 300 can storemore energy in the form of the hydrogen fuel energy source rather thanin the form of the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). As aresult, degradation of the electrochemical cell(s) of electrical energystorage system 316 can be minimized. Also, in some embodiments, beingable to operate fuel cell system 315 in a load-following manner can beadvantageous because fuel cell system 315 can be operated to maximize aspeed with which the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) isprovided by second energy source supply subsystem 302 to receivervehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. Although, in someembodiments, operating fuel cell system 315 in a load-following mannercan degrade the service life of fuel cell system 315, the wear on fuelcell system 315 can be offset by cooling fuel cell system 315 andavoiding fast activation sequences, such as, for example, byimplementing predictive command algorithms which avoid fast changes(e.g., gas line pressurizations, sensor resets, flow control, etc.) tothe balance of plant of the fuel cell system 315.

Further, by implementing electric power converter 323, a quantity and/orelectric power capacity of the fuel cell(s) of fuel cell system 315advantageously can be scaled up or down, as desired. For example, aquantity and/or electric power capacity of the fuel cell(s) of fuel cellsystem 315 can be scaled up or down, such as, for example, to provide adesired electric power output of fuel cell system 315, because electricpower converter 323 can adjust the voltage of the electric energy source(i.e., electricity), as needed. Also, because electric power converter323 can adjust the voltage of the electric energy source (i.e.,electricity), as needed, the fuel cell(s) of fuel cell system 315 can beimplemented with off-the-shelf fuel cell(s). Implementing the fuelcell(s) of fuel cell system 315 with off-the-shelf fuel cell(s)advantageously can permit specifications of the fuel cell(s) of fuelcell system 315 to be known without further testing by the operator ofsystem 300.

Further, by implementing electric power converter 317 and/or outputcontrol system 319, second energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 318 can advantageously make available the electrical energysource (i.e., electricity) to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy sourcesupply appliance 305 with multiple charging modes (e.g., one or more ofModes 1-4 established by the International Electrotechnical Commissionof London, England, United Kingdom, direct current to direct currentfast charging, etc.) and/or with multiple charging protocols. Meanwhile,implementing electric power converter 317 to comprise a direct currentto direct current converter can be advantageous to eliminate a need torectify the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) being providedto receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305.

In many embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can be configured to logperformance data of energy source supply system 300. In these or otherembodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can be configured to monitor energysource supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302) and diagnose problemsaffecting energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy sourcesupply subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302).For example, in some embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can compare measuredparameters (e.g., voltage, current, pressure, temperature, etc.)applying to energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy sourcesupply subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302)to predetermined boundary conditions to determine if the measuredparameters are outside of the boundary conditions (e.g., over/undervoltage, over/under current, over/under pressure, over/undertemperature, etc.) or are trending toward an out-of-bounds condition.Based on the severity of the out-of-bounds condition and/or thecriticality of the affected portion or portions of energy source supplysystem 300 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301 and/or secondenergy source supply subsystem 302) can identify an out-of-boundscondition as being non-impactful, as requiring attention within adesignated time frame (i.e., an alert condition), as requiring immediateattention (i.e., an alarm condition), or as being a system failure. Inmany embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can deactivate energy source supplysystem 300 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301 and/or secondenergy source supply subsystem 302) or the affected portion or portionsof energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supplysubsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302) in theevent of an alarm condition or system failure.

In implementation, SDT subsystem 303 can comprise one or more sensorsconfigured to measure one or more parameters (e.g., voltage, current,pressure, temperature, etc.) applying to energy source supply system 300(e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301 and/or second energysource supply subsystem 302). Further, SDT subsystem 303 can compriseone or more microcontrollers configured to log performance data ofenergy source supply system 300 and/or to analyze the one or moreparameters measured by the sensor(s) and compare the parameters to thepredetermined boundary conditions. Further still, SDT subsystem 303 cancomprise one or more safety devices configured to prevent propagationand/or amplification of failures in energy source supply system 300(e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301 and/or second energysource supply subsystem 302). Exemplary safety device(s) can includefuses, circuit breakers, stop valves, blow-off valves, etc. In theseembodiments, SDT subsystem 303 (e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDTsubsystem 303) can activate one or more of the safety device(s) of SDTsubsystem 303 to prevent propagation and/or amplification of failures inenergy source supply system 300, such as, for example, in response toone or more parameters measured by the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 303and/or analyzed by the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 303. Further,in some embodiments, in determining when to activate one or more of thesafety device(s) of SDT subsystem 303, SDT subsystem 303 (e.g., themicrocontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 303) can use adaptive logic and/ormachine learning to build upon a failure mode effect criticalityanalysis (FMECA) of energy source supply system 300. For example, theFMECA can be based on one or more look-up tables of potential faults andthe associated consequences, severity, and/or probability of thepotential faults. In further embodiments, the look-up tables canestablish where the sensor(s) and/or safety device(s) of SDT subsystem303 are located within energy source supply system 300. In someembodiments, SDT subsystem 303 (e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDTsubsystem 303) can confirm the presences of faults using anomaly testlogic prior to activating one or more of the safety device(s) of SDTsubsystem 303.

In some embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can be configured to implement alearning logic flow. For example, SDT subsystem 303 can characterize thesensor(s) of SDT subsystem 303, rate the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 303for criticality, implement a baseline operation, poll the sensor(s) ofSDT subsystem 303 for operational data, compare the operational data toalert and alarm lookup tables, and trigger alert and alarm notificationswhen operational data is outside accepted tolerances of the alert andalarm lookup tables. Polling frequency and comparisons can be added ormodified based on occurrences of the operational data being outsideaccepted tolerance of the alert and alarm lookup tables.

In many embodiments, control subsystem 324 can be configured to controlenergy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supplysubsystem 301, second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem303, communication subsystem 321, and/or electric power subsystem 325).For example, in many embodiments, control subsystem 324 can comprise acomputer system. In some embodiments, the computer system can be similaror identical to computer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ).

In many embodiments, communication subsystem 321 can be configured toprovide communication between first energy source supply subsystem 301,second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, controlsubsystem 324, and/or electric power subsystem 325, and/or within firstenergy source supply subsystem 301, second energy source supplysubsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or electricpower subsystem 325. In implementation, communication subsystem 321 cancomprise a control area network vehicle bus (CAN bus).

In some embodiments, communication subsystem 321 can accept cellularnetwork communication (via a cellular network transponder), which mayinclude deployment directions for energy source supply system 300. Insome embodiments, deployment directions for energy source supply system300 can be provided based on a location of receiver vehicle 304 and/orreceiver vehicle 320, and/or a time to on-site energy transfer (service)calculation. The location and timing information can be relayed bycommunication subsystem 321 to control subsystem 324 to initiate asystem readiness polling of SDT subsystem 303 and electric powersubsystem 325. Based on confirmation of acceptable polling results(e.g., functionality and safety checklist), control subsystem 324 caninstruct second energy source supply subsystem 302 to initiatepreparatory actions necessary to transfer energy to receiver vehicle 304and/or receiver vehicle 320 within the timeframe of the expected arrivalat location or locations of receiver vehicle 304 and/or receiver vehicle320. Based on confirmation of acceptable polling results controlsubsystem 324 also can instruct thermal management subsystem 308 toinitiate a pre-cool down procedure of second energy source supplysubsystem 302. Implementing a pre-cool down procedure can avoid thermaland mechanical stresses to equipment, thereby increasing equipment life,decreasing a probability of thermal related failure modes/safety events,and/or more efficiently applying on-platform cooling potential energy,such as, for example, by avoiding steady state environmental temperaturemaintenance. In some embodiments, the pre-cool down procedure can beimplemented without using energy from second energy source supplysubsystem 302, and/or with minimum propagation delay because it can beperformed with solid state thermal management.

In many embodiments, electric power subsystem 325 can be configured toelectrically power one or more (e.g., all) electrical components ofenergy source supply system 300, first energy source supply subsystem301, second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303,control subsystem 324, and/or communication subsystem 321. Accordingly,in these embodiments, electric power subsystem 325 can be coupled (e.g.,electrically coupled) to any electrical components of energy sourcesupply system 300, first energy source supply subsystem 301, secondenergy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem324, and/or communication subsystem 321 that electric power subsystem325 is configured to electrically power.

In implementation, electric power subsystem 325 can comprise one or morerechargeable energy storage systems. For example, in these embodiments,the rechargeable energy storage system(s) can store an electrical energysource (i.e., electricity) and make available the electrical energysource to one or more (e.g., all) electrical components of energy sourcesupply system 300, first energy source supply subsystem 301, secondenergy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem324, and/or communication subsystem 321. Further, in these embodiments,the rechargeable energy storage system(s) can comprise (a) one or moreelectrochemical cells (e.g., one or more batteries), (b) one or morecapacitive energy storage systems (e.g., super capacitors such aselectric double-layer capacitors), and/or (c) one or more inertialenergy storage systems (e.g., one or more flywheels).

Further, electric power subsystem 325 can comprise a battery charger.The battery charger can be configured to receive an electrical energysource (i.e., electricity), such as, for example, from a utilityelectric grid, and to make available the electrical energy source to therechargeable energy storage system(s) of electric power subsystem 325.In some embodiments, the battery charger also can be configured to makeavailable the electrical energy source to electrical energy storagesystem 316. In some embodiments, fuel cell system 315 can make availablethe electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) generated by fuel cellsystem 315 to the rechargeable energy storage system(s) of electricpower subsystem 325.

In many embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be configured tothermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of electric power subsystem325. Thermally managing electric power subsystem 325 can improve anoperating efficiency of electric power subsystem 325. For example, inmany embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be in thermalcommunication with electric power subsystem 325.

In these or other embodiments, electrical energy storage system 316 canbe configured to electrically power one or more (e.g., all) electricalcomponents of energy source supply system 300, first energy sourcesupply subsystem 301, second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDTsubsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or communication subsystem321. Accordingly, in these embodiments, electrical energy storage system316 can be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to any electricalcomponents of energy source supply system 300, first energy sourcesupply subsystem 301, second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDTsubsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or communication subsystem 321that electrical energy storage system 316 is configured to electricallypower.

In some embodiments, thermal management system 308 can comprise areservoir of coolant, a distribution circuit configured to deliver thecoolant to the part or parts of energy source supply system 300 thatthermal management system 308 is thermally managing, a heat exchangersubsystem to accept and vent heat transferred to the coolant by the partor parts of energy source supply system 300 that thermal managementsystem 308 is thermally managing, a coolant distribution controllerconfigured to control distribution of the coolant through thedistribution circuit, distributed temperature sensors to providetemperature data to the coolant distribution controller about the partor parts of energy source supply system 300 that thermal managementsystem 308 is thermally managing, and end cooling plates configured toput the coolant in thermal contact with any part or parts of energysource supply system 300 that thermal management system 308 is thermallymanaging.

In many embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy source supplysystem 300 can be positioned to minimize thermal and/or electromagneticinterference at energy source supply system 300. Positioning of one ormore elements of energy source supply system 300 can be determined inview of a volume available to house the elements of energy source supplysystem 300, a shared thermal stress of the elements of energy sourcesupply system 300, and/or a risk of electromagnetically induced crosstalk or interference. In some embodiments, one or more of the elementsof energy source supply system 300 can be positioned such that highpower electrical pathways are separate from data, sensor, and lowvoltage electrical signals. In further embodiments, coolant for thermalmanagement system 308 can be separately routed to maximize volume formodular expansion of energy source supply system 300. In manyembodiments, separating high power electrical pathways from data,sensor, and low voltage electrical signals and/or separately routingcoolant for thermal management system 308 can permit optimal access tothe elements of energy source supply system 300 for repair andmaintenance of energy source supply system 300. In some embodiments, oneor more of the elements of energy source supply system 300 can bepositioned to support a directional flow of heat generated by energysource supply system 300 rather than unidirectional heat radiation, andto minimize the formation of hot spots in energy source supply system300. In further embodiments, one or more elements of energy sourcesupply system 300 can be positioned to permit modularity of one or moreelements of energy source supply system 300.

Although energy source supply system 300 is generally described forembodiments where the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuelenergy source, in some embodiments, first energy source can compriseanother fuel energy source, such as, for example, a natural gas fuelenergy source. In these embodiments, for example, fuel cell system 315can be implemented with solid oxide fuel cells. Further, in some ofthese embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can act as a heat sinkfor fuel cell system 315.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of method 400 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a system.Method 400 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodimentspresented herein. Method 400 can be employed in many differentembodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.In some embodiments, the procedures, the activities of method 400 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the activities of the method 400 can be performed in any other suitableorder. In still other embodiments, one or more of the activities inmethod 400 can be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the systemcan be similar or identical to system 100 (FIG. 1 ).

In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise activity 401 of providingan energy source supply hub. In some embodiments, the energy sourcesupply hub can be similar or identical to one of energy source supplyhub(s) 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106 (FIG. 1 )).FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary activity 401, according to theembodiment of FIG. 4 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 401 can comprise activity 501of providing a hub energy source supply system. In some embodiments, thehub energy source supply system can be similar or identical to hubenergy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energy source supplysystem 300 (FIG. 3 ). FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary activity 501,according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 501 can comprise activity 601of providing a first hub energy source supply subsystem. In someembodiments, the first hub energy source supply subsystem can be similaror identical to first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 (FIG. 1 )and/or first energy source supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3 ).

In further embodiments, activity 501 can comprise activity 602 ofproviding a second hub energy source supply subsystem. In someembodiments, the second hub energy source supply subsystem can besimilar or identical to second hub energy source supply subsystem 120(FIG. 1 ) and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3 ). Inother embodiments, activity 602 can be omitted.

Turning again to FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, activity 401 can compriseactivity 502 of providing a hub vehicle. In some embodiments, the hubvehicle can be similar or identical to hub vehicle 121 (FIG. 1 ). Inother embodiments, activity 502 can be omitted.

Turning now back to FIG. 4 , in many embodiments, method 400 cancomprise activity 402 of providing a first energy source supplyappliance. In some embodiments, the first energy source supply appliancecan be similar or identical to one of energy source supply appliance(s)102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 (FIG. 1 ) and/orenergy source supply appliance 104 (FIG. 1 )). In some embodiments, oneof activity 401 or activity 402 can be omitted. FIG. 7 illustrates anexemplary activity 402, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 402 can comprise activity 701of providing an appliance energy source supply system. In someembodiments, the appliance energy source supply system can be similar oridentical to appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ) and/orenergy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3 ). FIG. 8 illustrates anexemplary activity 701, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 701 can comprise activity 801of providing a first appliance energy source supply subsystem. In someembodiments, the first appliance energy source supply subsystem can besimilar or identical to first appliance energy source supply subsystem115 (FIG. 1 ) and/or first energy source supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3 ).

In further embodiments, activity 701 can comprise activity 802 ofproviding a second appliance energy source supply subsystem. In someembodiments, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can besimilar or identical to second appliance energy source supply subsystem116 (FIG. 1 ) and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, activity 802 can be omitted.

Turning again to FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, activity 402 can compriseactivity 702 of providing an appliance vehicle. In some embodiments, theappliance vehicle can be similar or identical to appliance vehicle 117(FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, activity 702 can be omitted.

Turning now back to FIG. 4 , in many embodiments, method 400 cancomprise activity 403 of providing a second energy source supplyappliance. In some embodiments, the second energy source supplyappliance can be similar or identical to the first energy source supplyappliance, one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g.,energy source supply appliance 103 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energy source supplyappliance 104 (FIG. 1 )). Further, in many embodiments, performingactivity 403 can be similar or identical to performing activity 402. Insome embodiments, activity 403 can be omitted.

In some embodiments, method 400 can comprise activity 404 of providingan energy source supply station. In some embodiments, the second energysource supply station can be similar or identical to one of energysource supply station(s) 107 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supplystation 108 (FIG. 1 )). In other embodiments, activity 404 can beomitted.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of method 900 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) an energysource supply device. Method 900 is merely exemplary and is not limitedto the embodiments presented herein. Method 900 can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. In some embodiments, the activities of method 900 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activitiesof the method 900 can be performed in any other suitable order. In stillother embodiments, one or more of the activities in method 900 can becombined or skipped. In many embodiments, the energy source supplydevice can be similar or identical to one of energy source supplydevice(s) 101 of FIG. 1 (e.g., one of energy source supply hub(s) 105(FIG. 1 ) and/or one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (FIG. 1)).

In many embodiments, method 900 can comprise activity 901 of providingan appliance energy source supply system. In many embodiments, theappliance energy source supply system can be similar or identical toappliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energy sourcesupply system 300 (FIG. 3 ). FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary activity901, according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 901 can comprise activity1001 of providing a first appliance energy source supply subsystem. Insome embodiments, the first appliance energy source supply subsystem canbe similar or identical first appliance energy source supply subsystem115 (FIG. 1 ) and/or first energy source supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3 ).

Further, in some embodiment, activity 901 can comprise activity 1002 ofproviding a second appliance energy source supply subsystem. In someembodiments, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can besimilar or identical second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116(FIG. 1 ) and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3 ). Inother embodiments, the second appliance energy source supply subsystemcan be omitted. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity 1002,according to the embodiment of FIG. 10 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 1002 can comprise activity1101 of providing a fuel cell system comprising one or more fuel cells.In some embodiments, the fuel cell system can be similar or identical tofuel cell system 315 (FIG. 3 ).

In many embodiments, activity 1002 can comprise activity 1102 ofproviding an electrical energy storage system comprising one or moreappliance electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the electricalenergy storage system can be similar or identical to electrical energystorage system 316 (FIG. 3 ).

In many embodiments, activity 1002 can comprise activity 1103 ofelectrically coupling the fuel cell system to the electrical energystorage system. In some embodiments, performing activity 1103 can besimilar or identical to electrically coupling the fuel cell system 315(FIG. 3 ) to electrical energy storage system 316 (FIG. 3 ).

Referring back to FIG. 10 , in many embodiments, activity 901 cancomprise activity 1003 of coupling the second appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem to the first appliance energy source supply subsystem.For example, in some embodiments, performing activity 1003 can besimilar or identical to coupling second appliance energy source supplysubsystem 302 (FIG. 3 ) to first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 301 (FIG. 3 ) as described above with respect to energy sourcesupply system 300 (FIG. 3 ). In other embodiments, activity 1003 can beomitted.

Turning again back to FIG. 9 , in many embodiments, method 900 cancomprise activity 902 of providing an appliance vehicle. In someembodiments, the appliance vehicle can be similar or identical toappliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, activity 902 canbe omitted.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of method 1200. Method 1200 is merely exemplary and is notlimited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1200 can be employedin many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the activities ofmethod 1200 can be performed in the order presented. In otherembodiments, the procedures, the activities of the method 1200 can beperformed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, oneor more of the activities in method 1200 can be combined or skipped. Inmany embodiments, method 1200 can comprise a method of using an energysource supply device. In many embodiments, the energy source supplydevice can be similar or identical to one of energy source supplydevice(s) 101 of FIG. 1 (e.g., one of energy source supply hub(s) 105(FIG. 1 ) and/or one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (FIG. 1)).

In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1201 of makingavailable a first energy source to a first receiver vehicle with a firstappliance energy source supply subsystem of an appliance energy sourcesupply system. In some embodiments, the first receiver vehicle can besimilar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g.,receiver vehicle 110 (FIG. 1 ) and/or receiver vehicle 111 (FIG. 1 )).Further, the first appliance energy source supply subsystem can besimilar or identical to first appliance energy source supply subsystem115 (FIG. 1 ). Further still, the appliance energy source supply systemcan be similar or identical to appliance energy source supply system 114(FIG. 1 ). In many embodiments, the first energy source can comprise ahydrogen fuel energy source. In some embodiments, activity 1201 can beomitted.

In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1202 of makingavailable a second energy source to a second receiver vehicle with asecond appliance energy source supply subsystem of the appliance energysource supply system. In some embodiments, the second receiver vehiclecan be similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 (FIG. 1 ) and/or receiver vehicle 111 (FIG.1 )). Further, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem canbe similar or identical to second appliance energy source supplysubsystem 116 (FIG. 1 ). In many embodiments, activity 1202 can beperformed before, after, or simultaneously with activity 1201. In someembodiments, the second energy source can be different than the firstenergy source. For example, the second energy source can comprise anelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity).

When the second energy source comprises an electrical energy source, insome embodiments, performing activity 1202 can comprise an activity ofapproximately fully charging one or more vehicle electrochemical cellsof a second drive system of the second receiver vehicle with theelectrical energy source in less than or equal to approximately 5 or 10minutes. In some embodiments, the second drive system can be similar oridentical to receiver vehicle drive system 113 (FIG. 1 ).

In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1203 ofconverting (e.g., electrochemically converting) the first energy sourceto the second energy source. In many embodiments, performing activity1203 can be similar or identical to converting (e.g., electrochemicallyconverting) the first energy source to the second energy source asdescribed above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energysource supply system 300 (FIG. 3 ). In further embodiments, activity1203 can be performed before or simultaneously with activity 1202. Forexample, in some embodiments, performing activity 1203 can comprise anactivity of using a fuel cell system to convert (e.g., electrochemicallyconvert) the first energy source to the second energy source. In theseembodiments, the fuel cell system can be similar or identical to fuelcell system 315 (FIG. 3 ).

In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1204 of movingthe appliance energy source supply system. In some embodiments,performing activity 1204 can be similar or identical to moving theappliance energy source supply system as described above with respect tosystem 100 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3 ).For example, in some embodiments, performing activity 1204 can comprisean activity of moving the appliance energy source supply system with anappliance vehicle. In these embodiments, the appliance vehicle can besimilar or identical to appliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1 ).

Skipping ahead in the drawings, FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of method 1300. Method 1300 is merely exemplary and is notlimited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1300 can be employedin many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the activities ofmethod 1300 can be performed in the order presented. In otherembodiments, the procedures, the activities of the method 1300 can beperformed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, oneor more of the activities in method 1300 can be combined or skipped. Inmany embodiments, method 1300 can comprise a method of using a system.In some embodiments, the system can be similar or identical to system100 (FIG. 1 ).

In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1301 of moving anenergy source supply appliance proximal to an energy source supply hub.In some embodiments, the energy source supply hub can be similar oridentical to energy source supply hub 106 (FIG. 1 ). In these or otherembodiments, the energy source supply appliance can be similar oridentical to one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 of FIG. 1(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supplyappliance 104).

In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1302 of receivinga hydrogen fuel energy source from the energy source supply hub at afirst appliance energy source supply subsystem of an appliance energysource supply system of the energy source supply appliance. In someembodiments, the first appliance energy source supply subsystem can besimilar or identical to first appliance energy source supply subsystem115 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the appliance energy source supply system can besimilar or identical to appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG.1 ). In some embodiments, activity 1302 can be performed after activity1301.

In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1303 of movingthe energy source supply appliance proximal to a first receiver vehicle.In some embodiments, the first receiver vehicle can be similar oridentical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receivervehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In further embodiments,activity 1303 can be performed after activity 1302.

In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1304 of supplyingthe hydrogen fuel energy source from the first appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem to the first receiver vehicle. In some embodiments,activity 1304 can be performed after activity 1303. In otherembodiments, activity 1303 and/or activity 1304 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1305 of movingthe energy source supply appliance proximal to a second receivervehicle. In some embodiments, the second receiver vehicle can be similaror identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receivervehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In further embodiments,activity 1305 can be performed after one or more of activity 1302,activity 1303, and activity 1304.

In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1306 of supplyingan electrical energy source from a second appliance energy source supplysubsystem of the appliance energy source supply system to the secondreceiver vehicle. In some embodiments, the second appliance energysource supply subsystem can be similar or identical to second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments,activity 1306 can be performed after activity 1304 and/or activity 1305.In other embodiments, activity 1306 can be performed before orsimultaneously with activity 1304. In further embodiments, activity 1305and/or activity 1306 can be omitted.

Some embodiments of method 1300 can be implemented with a natural gasfuel energy source instead of a hydrogen fuel energy source.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary blockdiagram for energy source supply system 1400, according to anembodiment. Energy source supply system 1400 is merely exemplary and isnot limited to the embodiments presented herein. Energy source supplysystem 1400 can be employed in many different embodiments or examplesnot specifically depicted or described herein.

In some embodiments, energy source supply system 1400 can be similar oridentical to appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ), andvice versa. Accordingly, in these embodiments, energy source supplysystem 1400 can be used to implement appliance energy source supplysystem 114 (FIG. 1 ) in system 100 (FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments,energy source supply system 1400 can be similar or identical to hubenergy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa. According, inthese embodiments, energy source supply system 1400 can be used toimplement hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ) in system 100(FIG. 1 ).

In these or other embodiments, energy source supply system 1400 can besimilar or identical to energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3 ), andvice versa. For example, in many embodiments, energy source supplysystem 1400 can comprise first energy source supply subsystem 1401. Infurther embodiments, energy source supply system 1400 can comprisesecond energy source supply subsystem 1402, safety, diagnostic, andtelemetry (SDT) subsystem 1403, communication subsystem 1421, controlsubsystem 1424, and/or electric power subsystem 1425. However, in otherembodiments, second energy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem1403, communication subsystem 1421, control subsystem 1424, and/orelectric power subsystem 1425 can be omitted. Further, in someembodiments, part or all of second energy source supply subsystem 1402can be part of first energy source supply subsystem 1401, and viceversa.

In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy source supplysystem 1400 is similar or identical to appliance energy source supplysystem 114 (FIG. 1 ), first energy source supply subsystem 1401 can besimilar or identical to first appliance energy source supply subsystem115 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa. In other embodiments, such as, forexample, when energy source supply system 1400 is similar or identicalto hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), first energy sourcesupply subsystem 1401 can be similar or identical to first hub energysource supply subsystem 119 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa.

For example, in some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem1401 can be configured to make available a first energy source to secondenergy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/orenergy source supply appliance 1405. Further, the first energy sourcecan comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., a gaseous or liquidhydrogen fuel energy source), and the second energy source can comprisean electrical energy source. In many embodiments, receiver vehicle 1404can be similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 (FIG. 1 )). In these or other embodiments,energy source supply appliance 1405 can be similar or identical to oneof energy source supply appliances 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy sourcesupply appliance 103 (FIG. 1 ) and/or energy source supply appliance 104(FIG. 1 )). In other embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem1401 can make available the first energy source to second energy sourcesupply subsystem 1402 but not to receiver vehicle 1404 and/or energysource supply appliance 1405.

In these or other embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem 1401can comprise first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 1406,one or more buffering storage vessels 1407, thermal management system1408, compression system 1409, one or more holding storage vessels 1410,one or more holding storage vessel pressure regulators 1411, firstenergy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412, cascade controlsystem 1413, and energy source safety management system 1422. In someembodiments, as described further herein, buffering storage vessel(s)1407, thermal management system 1408, compression system 1409, holdingstorage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411, and/or cascade control system1413 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 1406 can be similar or identical to first energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 306 (FIG. 3 ). For example, first energysource supply subsystem input mechanism 1406 can be configured toreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source. In implementation, first energysource supply subsystem input mechanism 1406 can comprise one or morereceptacles (e.g., one or more fittings) suitable to receive thehydrogen fuel energy source. In many embodiments, such as, for example,when energy source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to hubenergy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), first energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 1406 can receive the hydrogen fuel energysource from an energy storage supply station. Further, the energystorage supply station can be similar or identical to one of energystorage supply station(s) 107 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy storage supplystation 108 (FIG. 1 )). In some embodiments, such as, for example, whenenergy source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to applianceenergy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ), first energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 1406 can receive the hydrogen fuel energysource from an energy storage supply hub and/or the energy source supplystation. Further, the energy storage supply hub can be similar oridentical to one of energy storage supply hub(s) 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g.,energy storage supply hub 106 (FIG. 1 )).

In some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 1406 can comprise an input mechanism pressure sensor. Forexample, the input mechanism pressure sensor can detect a pressure ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source received by first energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 1406. In some embodiments, the input mechanismpressure sensor can be part of SDT subsystem 1403, as described below.

In many embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can be similar oridentical to buffering storage vessel(s) 307 (FIG. 3 ). For example,buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can be configured to receive thehydrogen fuel energy source from first energy source supply subsysteminput mechanism 1406 and to store the hydrogen fuel energy source.Accordingly, in some embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 canbe coupled to first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 1406,such as, for example, by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s)can comprise one or more valves configured to control, direct, and/orregulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s).In implementation, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can comprise one ormore tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy source. Infurther embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can store (e.g.,temporarily store) the hydrogen fuel energy source until the hydrogenfuel energy source can be received by compression system 1409.

In many embodiments, compression system 1409 can be similar or identicalto compression system 309 (FIG. 3 ). For example, compression system1409 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source frombuffering storage vessel(s) 1407. Accordingly, in some embodiments,compression system 1409 can be coupled to buffering storage vessel(s)1407, such as, for example, by one or more conduits. Further, theconduit(s) can comprise one or more valves configured to control,direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source throughthe conduit(s). Meanwhile, compression system 1409 can be configured tocompress the hydrogen fuel energy source to increase a pressure of thehydrogen fuel energy source and to provide the compressed hydrogen fuelenergy source to holding storage vessel(s) 1410. In implementation,compression system 1409 can comprise a hydrogen compressor.

In many embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be similar oridentical to holding storage vessel(s) 310 (FIG. 3 ). For example,holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be configured to receive and storethe hydrogen fuel energy source. When buffering storage vessel(s) 1407and compression system 1409 are implemented, holding storage vessel(s)1410 can be coupled to compression system 1409, such as, for example, byone or more conduits, to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source fromcompression system 1409 (e.g., after the hydrogen fuel energy source iscompressed by compression system 1409). Further, the conduit(s) cancomprise one or more valves configured to control, direct, and/orregulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s).Meanwhile, when buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 and compression system1409 are omitted, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be coupled (e.g.,directly coupled) to first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 1406, such as, for example, by one or more conduits, toreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source from first energy source supplysubsystem input mechanism 1406. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise oneor more valves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s). Nonetheless, inmany embodiments, implementing buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 andcompression system 1409 can advantageously permit holding storagevessel(s) 1410 to store more of the hydrogen fuel energy source.

In implementation, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can comprise one ormore tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy source. In manyembodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can comprise an aggregatestorage capacity, and in some embodiments, each holding storage vesselof holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be configured to store thehydrogen fuel energy source approximately at or below a predeterminedstorage pressure. In some embodiments, the aggregate storage capacity ofholding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be greater than or equal toapproximately 8 kilograms and less than or equal to approximately 73kilograms. For example, the aggregate storage capacity of holdingstorage vessel(s) 310 can be approximately 8.4 kilograms. Further, inthese or other embodiments, the predetermined storage pressure ofholding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be greater than or equal toapproximately 34.47 Megapascals (gauge) and less than or equal toapproximately 68.95 Megapascals (gauge).

In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 1412 can be similar or identical to first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 312 (FIG. 3 ). For example, first energysource supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 can be configured toreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source from holding storage vessel(s)1410 and to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to secondenergy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/orenergy source supply appliance 1405. Accordingly, in some embodiments,first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 can becoupled to holding storage vessel(s) 1410, such as, for example, by oneor more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or morevalves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of thehydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s).

In implementation, first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism1412 can comprise one or more hoses and/or nozzles suitable to receivethe hydrogen fuel energy source and to make available the hydrogen fuelenergy source to receiver vehicle 1404 and/or energy source supplyappliance 1405. In some embodiments, the hose(s) can comprise one ormore bonding cables to electrically ground the hose(s). Further, whenenergy source supply system 1400 comprises second energy source supplysubsystem input 1414, first energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 1412 can comprise one or more conduits configured to makeavailable the hydrogen fuel energy source to a second energy sourcesupply subsystem input of second energy source supply subsystem 1402.For example, the second energy source supply subsystem input can besimilar or identical to second energy source supply subsystem input 314(FIG. 3 ). Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more valvesconfigured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuelenergy source through the conduit(s). In some embodiments, first energysource supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 can be configured to makeavailable the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source supplysubsystem 1402 but not to receiver vehicle 1404 and/or energy sourcesupply appliance 1405.

In some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem outputmechanism 1412 can comprise one or more safety release mechanisms. Inthese embodiments, the safety release mechanism(s) can couple thehose(s) and/or the nozzle(s) of first energy source supply subsystemoutput mechanism 1412 to energy source supply system 1400 and can permitthe hose(s) and/or the nozzle(s) to decouple (e.g., break away) fromenergy source supply system 1400 when a force exceeding a predeterminedforce acts upon the safety release mechanism(s), the hose(s), and/or thenozzle(s). For example, the safety release mechanism(s) can preventdamage to part or all of energy source supply system 1400 in the eventthat the receiver vehicle 1404 and/or energy source supply appliance1405 drive or otherwise move away from energy source supply system 1400while the hose(s) and/or nozzle(s) remain coupled to receiver vehicle1404 and/or energy source supply appliance 1405. In some embodiments,the safety release mechanism(s) can permit the hose(s) and/or thenozzle(s) to be recoupled to energy source supply system 1400 after thehose(s) and/or the nozzle(s) have been decoupled from energy sourcesupply system 1400. In implementation, the safety release mechanism(s)can comprise any suitable breakaway connector.

In many embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411can be similar or identical to holding storage vessel pressureregulator(s) 311 (FIG. 3 ). For example, holding storage vessel pressureregulator(s) 1411 can be configured to limit a pressure of the hydrogenfuel energy source that is provided by compression system 1409 toholding storage vessel(s) 1410, such as, for example, via cascadecontrol system 1413. In implementation, holding storage vessel pressureregulator(s) 1411 can comprise one or more pressure regulation valves.Further, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411 can bebetween compression system 1409 and holding storage vessel(s) 1410.Accordingly, in some embodiments, holding storage vessel pressureregulator(s) 1411 can be coupled to compression system 1409, such as,for example, by one or more conduits, and to cascade control system 1413or holding storage vessel(s) 1410, such as, for example, by one or moreconduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more valvesconfigured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuelenergy source through the conduit(s). In these or other embodiments,holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411 can be implemented toprevent the pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source being providedto holding storage vessel(s) 1410 from exceeding the predeterminedstorage pressure of holding storage vessel(s) 1410, thereby preventingdamage to holding storage vessel(s) 1410 and/or injury to the operatorof energy source supply system 1400. Nonetheless, in some embodiments,holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411 can be omitted, suchas, for example, when compression system 1409 is omitted.

In many embodiments, cascade control system 1413 can be similar oridentical to cascade control system 313 (FIG. 3 ). For example, cascadecontrol system 1413 can be implemented when holding storage vessel(s)1410 comprise multiple holding storage vessels. In particular, cascadecontrol system 1413 can be configured to control filling (e.g., bycompression system 1409 or first energy source supply subsystem inputmechanism 1406) of the multiple holding storage vessels with thehydrogen fuel energy source in a cascading manner and/or dispensing ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., to first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412) from the multiple holding storagevessels in a cascading manner. In other embodiments, cascade controlsystem 1413 can be omitted, such as, for example, when holding storagevessel(s) 1410 comprise only one holding storage vessel.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 14 , in many embodiments, when energysource supply system 1400 comprises cascade control system 1413, cascadecontrol system 1413 can be between holding storage vessel(s) 1410 andone of first energy source subsystem input mechanism 1406, bufferingstorage vessel(s) 1407, compression system 1409, or holding storagevessel pressure regulator(s) 1411. Accordingly, in some embodiments,cascade control system 1413 can be coupled to holding storage vessel(s)1410 and at least one of first energy source subsystem input mechanism1406, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407, compression system 1409, orholding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411, such as, for example,by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one ormore valves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of thehydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s).

In these or other embodiments, when energy source supply system 1400comprises cascade control system 1413, cascade control system 1413 canbe between holding storage vessel(s) 1410 and one or more of energysource safety management system 1422 or first energy source subsystemoutput mechanism 1412. Accordingly, in some embodiments, cascade controlsystem 1413 can be coupled to holding storage vessel(s) 1410, such as,for example, by one or more conduits, and to energy source safetymanagement system 1422 or first energy source subsystem output mechanism1412, such as, for example, by one or more conduits. Further, theconduit(s) can comprise one or more valves configured to control,direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source throughthe conduit(s).

In many embodiments, energy source safety management system 1422 can beconfigured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from one ofholding storage vessel(s) 1410 or cascade control system 1413 and toreduce a temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source that is madeavailable by first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404,and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (e.g., before the hydrogenfuel energy source is made available by first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412 to second energy source supply subsystem1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance1405). For example, energy source safety management system 1422 canreduce a temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source that is madeavailable by first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404,and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 such that the temperature ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source does not exceed a predetermined maximumdelivery temperature. Reducing the temperature of the hydrogen fuelenergy source that is made available by first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412 to second energy source supply subsystem1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405such that the temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source does notexceed the predetermined maximum delivery temperature can prevent damageto second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404,and/or energy source supply appliance 1405. In many embodiments, thepredetermined maximum delivery temperature can be any suitabletemperature. However, in some embodiments, the predetermined maximumdelivery temperature can be selected to be less than a meltingtemperature of part or all of second energy source supply subsystem1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405.For example, in further embodiments, the predetermined maximum deliverytemperature can be selected to be less than a melting temperature of aplastic liner of a fuel tank of receiver vehicle 1404.

In many embodiments, energy source safety management system 1422 can bebetween one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 or cascade control system1413 and first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412.Accordingly, in some embodiments, energy source safety management system1422 can be coupled to at least one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 orcascade control system 1413, such as, for example, by one or moreconduits, and to first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism1412, such as, for example, by one or more conduits. Further, theconduit(s) can comprise one or more valves configured to control,direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source throughthe conduit(s).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary blockdiagram for energy source safety management system 1422, according tothe embodiment of FIG. 14 . In many embodiments, energy source safetymanagement system 1422 comprises pressure regulator 1501 and one or morethermal control devices 1502. For example, thermal control device(s)1502 can comprise thermal control device 1503. Further, when thermalcontrol device(s) 1502 comprise multiple thermal control devices,thermal control device(s) 1502 also can comprise thermal control device1504, and energy source safety management system 1422 can comprise flowmanifold 1505. In some embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502comprise multiple thermal control devices, energy source safetymanagement system 1422 also can comprise flow controller 1506. In otherembodiments, thermal control device 1504, flow manifold 1505, and/orflow controller 1506 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, pressure regulator 1501 can be configured toreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source received by energy source safetymanagement system 1422 and to limit a pressure of the hydrogen fuelenergy source received by pressure regulator 1501 to a predeterminedpressure (e.g., before the hydrogen fuel energy source is made availableby first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 )to second energy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receivervehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/or energy source supply appliance 1405(FIG. 14 )). For example, in some embodiments, pressure regulator 1501can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from one ofholding storage vessel(s) 1410 (FIG. 4 ) or cascade control system 1413(FIG. 4 ). Accordingly, in some embodiments, pressure regulator 1501 canbe coupled to at least one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 (FIG. 4 )or cascade control system 1413 (FIG. 4 ), such as, for example, by oneor more conduits (e.g., the conduit(s) coupling energy source safetymanagement system 1422 to at least one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410(FIG. 14 ) or cascade control system 1413 (FIG. 14 )). Meanwhile, inmany embodiments, the predetermined pressure can be any suitablepressure. However, in some embodiments, the predetermined pressure canbe greater than or equal to approximately 12.4 Megapascals (gauge). Inimplementation, pressure regulator 1501 can comprise a pressureregulation valve.

In many embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermalcontrol device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) each can beconfigured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from pressureregulator 1501 and to reduce a temperature of the hydrogen fuel energysource when that thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuelenergy source (e.g., after pressure regulator 1501 has limited thepressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source received by pressureregulator 1501 to the predetermined pressure, and/or before the hydrogenfuel energy source is made available by first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412 to second energy source supply subsystem1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance1405). For example, in some embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504)can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source frompressure regulator 1501.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can becoupled to pressure regulator 1501, such as, for example, by one or moreconduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more valvesconfigured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuelenergy source through the conduit(s). In some embodiments, theconduit(s) can comprise a blow off valve. In these or other embodiments,the conduit(s) can comprise a vent configured to permit an operator ofenergy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ) to vent the conduit(s).

Further, each of thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal controldevice 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can be configured toprovide the hydrogen fuel energy source to first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 ) (e.g., after reducing thetemperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source). Accordingly, in someembodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal controldevice 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can be coupled to firstenergy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 ), suchas, for example, by one or more conduits (e.g., the conduit(s) couplingenergy source safety management system 1422 to first energy sourcesupply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 )).

In many embodiments, thermal control device 1503 can be configured toreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to converge a flow of thehydrogen fuel energy source to cause a temperature reduction of thehydrogen fuel energy source when thermal control device 1503 receivesthe hydrogen fuel energy source. For example, by converging the flow ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source, as a result of the Venturi effect,thermal control device 1503 can cause a velocity of the hydrogen fuelenergy source to increase, a pressure and a temperature of the hydrogenfuel energy source to decrease, and a mass flow rate of the hydrogenfuel energy source to remain constant. Further, the increase in velocityand the decrease in pressure and temperature of the hydrogen fuel energysource can be mathematically calculated as a function of the magnitudeby which the flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source is converged. Asdescribed in greater detail below, the decrease in temperature also canbe mathematically calculated as a function of an inlet temperature ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source (i.e., a temperature of the hydrogenfuel energy source before the flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source isconverged). In many embodiments, the inlet temperature can beapproximately equal to an ambient temperature at or near energy sourcesupply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ).

In implementation, thermal control device 1503 can comprise arestrictive flow orifice. As used herein, the term “restrictive floworifice” refers to an orifice plate comprising an orifice and an orificediameter of the orifice. Accordingly, the restrictive flow orifice canreceive the hydrogen fuel energy source at the orifice, which canconverge the flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source as the hydrogenfuel energy source passes through the orifice. Meanwhile, the magnitudeby which the flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source is converged can bea function of the orifice diameter of the orifice.

In many embodiments, implementing thermal control device 1503 as arestrictive flow orifice can be advantageous when thermal control device1503 is also implemented with pressure regulator 1501 because, for aparticular orifice diameter of the orifice and when the hydrogen fuelenergy source is limited to the predetermined pressure by pressureregulator 1501, a temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energysource caused by thermal control device 1503 can be known, specific, andconsistent. Accordingly, the orifice diameter of the restrictive floworifice can be optimized to a diameter that results in a highest massflow rate of the hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., permitting thehydrogen fuel energy source to be provided by first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 ) to second energy sourcesupply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ),and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) as quickly aspossible) but that also ensures that a temperature increase in thehydrogen fuel energy source resulting from first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 ) providing the hydrogen fuelenergy source to second energy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ),receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/or energy source supply appliance1405 (FIG. 14 ) does not exceed the temperature reduction of thehydrogen fuel energy source caused by thermal control device 1503 orexceed the temperature reduction by more than a predetermined amount(e.g., for a predetermined mass of the hydrogen fuel energy sourceprovided). As a result, thermal control device 1503 can prevent thetemperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source from exceeding thepredetermined maximum delivery temperature, as described above. Further,because the mass flow rate through the restrictive flow orifice also canbe known, specific, and consistent, a time for a predetermined mass ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source to be provided by first energy sourcesupply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 ) to second energysource supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) can becalculated, thereby permitting an operator of energy source supplysystem 1400 (FIG. 14 ) to provide the predetermined mass of the hydrogenfuel energy source as a function of time, and permitting confirmationthat the calculated time is not long enough to cause a temperatureincrease in the hydrogen fuel energy source to exceed the temperaturereduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source caused by thermal controldevice 1503 or to exceed the temperature reduction by the predeterminedamount. For example, the predetermined mass of the hydrogen fuel energysource can comprise approximately 1 kilogram. Further, in someembodiments, the time for the predetermined mass of the hydrogen fuelenergy source to be provided by first energy source supply subsystemoutput mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 ) to second energy source supplysubsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/orenergy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) can depend on a change(e.g., increase) in pressure at second energy source supply subsystem1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/or energy sourcesupply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) as second energy source supplysubsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/orenergy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source. Meanwhile, because an operator of energy source supplysystem 1400 (FIG. 14 ) can be confident that a temperature increase inthe hydrogen fuel energy source is not exceeding the temperaturereduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source caused by thermal controldevice 1503 or exceeding the temperature reduction by the predeterminedamount, first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG.14 ) can make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energysource supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) withoutreceiving temperature data therefrom (e.g., to monitor a temperature atsecond energy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 )).

In many embodiments, thermal control device 1503 can be devoid of movingparts, such as, for example, when thermal control device 1503 comprisesa restrictive flow orifice. Implementing thermal control device 1503 tobe devoid of moving parts advantageously can mitigate or eliminateoperational error by an operator of energy source supply system 1400(FIG. 14 ) incorrectly operating thermal control device 1503. Further,implementing thermal control device 1503 to be devoid of moving partsadvantageously can mitigate mechanical failure of thermal control device1503.

In many embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermalcontrol device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) comprisemultiple thermal control devices, each of the thermal control devices ofthe multiple thermal control devices can be similar to each other butcan cause a different temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energysource, and in some embodiments, can pass the hydrogen fuel energysource with different mass flow rates. For example, when thermal controldevice(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal controldevice 1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, and when themultiple thermal control devices comprise multiple restrictive floworifices, the multiple restrictive flow orifices can comprise differentorifice diameters.

In these or other embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) cancomprise any suitable orifice diameter or orifice diameters. In manyembodiments, the orifice diameter(s) of thermal control device 1503and/or thermal control device 1504 can be greater than or equal toapproximately 0.0178 centimeter and less than or equal to approximately0.102 centimeter. For example, the orifice diameter of thermal controldevice 1503 can comprise one of approximately 0.0178 centimeter,approximately 0.0381 centimeter, approximately 0.0457 centimeter,approximately 0.0508 centimeter, approximately 0.0635 centimeter,approximately 0.0762 centimeter, or approximately 0.102 centimeter.Meanwhile, when thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal controldevice 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) comprise multiplethermal control devices, an orifice diameter of another thermal controldevice of the multiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermal controldevice 1504) can comprise a different one of approximately 0.0178centimeter, approximately 0.0381 centimeter, approximately 0.0457centimeter, approximately 0.0508 centimeter, approximately 0.0635centimeter, approximately 0.0762 centimeter, or approximately 0.102centimeter.

In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device1503 comprises approximately 0.0178 centimeter, the mass flow ratethrough thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 0.176 grams persecond, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of thehydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 94.7 minutes, such as,for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 50 degrees C. Insome embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device1503 comprises approximately 0.0381 centimeter, the mass flow ratethrough thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 0.789 grams persecond, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of thehydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 21.1 minutes, such as,for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 40 degreesCelsius. In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermalcontrol device 1503 comprises approximately 0.0457 centimeter, the massflow rate through thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 1.13grams per second, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 14.8 minutes, suchas, for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 35 degreesCelsius. In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermalcontrol device 1503 comprises approximately 0.0508 centimeter, the massflow rate through thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 1.40grams per second, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram ofthe hydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 11.9 minutes, suchas, for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 30 degreesC. In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal controldevice 1503 comprises approximately 0.0635 centimeter, the mass flowrate through thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 2.19 gramsper second, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of thehydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 7.6 minutes, such as,for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 25 degrees C. Insome embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device1503 comprises approximately 0.0762 centimeter, the mass flow ratethrough thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 3.16 grams persecond, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of thehydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 5.3 minutes, such as,for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 20 degrees C. Insome embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device1503 comprises approximately 0.102 centimeter, the mass flow ratethrough thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 5.61 grams persecond, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of thehydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 3.0 minutes, such as,for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 10 degrees C.

Further, in many embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) comprisemultiple thermal control devices, the multiple thermal control devicescan be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source atdifferent times. For example, in these or other embodiments, themultiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermal control device 1503and/or thermal control device 1504) can be coupled to pressure regulator1501 and/or to first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism1412 (FIG. 14 ) in parallel. Further, in these or other embodiments,when thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503and/or thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal controldevices, the hydrogen fuel energy source can be selectively received byone of the multiple thermal control devices, such as, for example, whenenergy source safety management system 1422 comprises flow manifold1505.

When thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503and/or thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal controldevices, flow manifold 1505 can receive the hydrogen fuel energy sourceand can permit the hydrogen fuel energy source to be selectivelyprovided to one of the multiple thermal control devices at differenttimes. Selectively providing the hydrogen fuel energy source to one ofthe multiple thermal control devices at different times advantageouslycan permit the thermal control device of the multiple thermal controldevices having a largest orifice diameter that will not cause atemperature increase in the hydrogen fuel energy source resulting fromfirst energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14 )providing the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source supplysubsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14 ), and/orenergy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14 ) to exceed the temperaturereduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source caused by the thermalcontrol device or exceed the temperature reduction by more than apredetermined amount to be used to provide the hydrogen fuel energysource to first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412(FIG. 14 ).

As noted above, the temperature reduction can depend on an ambienttemperature at or near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ).Accordingly, in many embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504)comprise multiple thermal control devices, the thermal control device ofthermal control device(s) 1502 selected to receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source can be selected based on a current ambient temperature ator near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). For example, insome embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermalcontrol device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) comprisemultiple thermal control devices, one thermal control device of themultiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermal control device 1503) canbe selected when the current ambient temperature is less than or equalto a predetermined ambient temperature, and another thermal controldevice of the multiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermal controldevice 1504) can be selected when the current ambient temperature isgreater than the predetermined ambient temperature. For example, in someembodiments, the predetermined ambient temperature can be one ofapproximately 10 degrees C., approximately 20 degrees C., approximately25 degrees C., approximately 30 degrees C., approximately 35 degrees C.,approximately 40 degrees C., or approximately 50 degrees C. In someembodiments, when the predetermined ambient temperature is approximately25 degrees C., one thermal control device of the multiple thermalcontrol devices (e.g., thermal control device 1503) can comprise anorifice diameter of approximately 0.0635 centimeter, and another thermalcontrol device of the multiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermalcontrol device 1504) can comprise an orifice diameter of approximately0.0457 centimeter.

In these or other embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504)comprise multiple thermal control devices, the thermal control device ofthermal control device(s) 1502 selected to receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source can be selected based on a current clock time and/or acurrent clock date. For example, the current ambient temperature can bea function of the current clock time and/or the current clock date.

In many embodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be between pressureregulator 1501 and thermal control device(s) 1502. Accordingly, in someembodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be coupled to pressure regulator1501, such as, for example, by one or more conduits, and to thermalcontrol device(s) 1502, such as, for example, by one or more conduits.In implementation, flow manifold 1505 can comprise a multi-directionalvalve. In some embodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be manually operatedto select which one of the multiple thermal control devices of thermalcontrol device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermalcontrol device 1504) receives the hydrogen fuel energy source. In otherembodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be automatically operated to selectwhich one of the multiple thermal control devices of thermal controldevice(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal controldevice 1504) receives the hydrogen fuel energy source, such as, forexample, when energy source safety management system 1422 comprises flowcontroller 1506. In some embodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be omitted,such as, for example, when thermal control device(s) 1502 comprise onethermal control device (e.g., thermal control device 1503).

Flow controller 1506 can comprise a microcontroller configured toautomatically operate flow manifold 1505 to select which one of themultiple thermal control devices of thermal control device(s) 1502(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504)receives the hydrogen fuel energy source. In many embodiments, asexplained above, the microcontroller can determine which one of themultiple thermal control devices of thermal control device(s) 1502(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504)receives the hydrogen fuel energy source based on a current ambienttemperature at or near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ), acurrent clock time, and/or a current clock date. In some embodiments,flow controller 1506 can be electrically coupled to flow manifold 1505.

In many embodiments, energy source safety management system 1422 cancomprise an ambient temperature sensor. The ambient temperature sensorcan detect a current ambient temperature at or near energy source supplysystem 1400 (FIG. 14 ). In some embodiments, the ambient temperaturesensor can be part of SDT subsystem 1403 (FIG. 14 ), as described below.Further, when thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal controldevice 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) comprise multiplethermal control devices, when energy source safety management system1422 comprises flow controller 1506, and when flow controller 1506determines which one of the multiple thermal control devices receivesthe hydrogen fuel energy source based on a current ambient temperatureat or near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ), flow controller1506 can receive the current ambient temperature from the ambienttemperature sensor. In other embodiments, when thermal control device(s)1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, and when the thermalcontrol device of the multiple thermal control devices is determinedmanually based on a current ambient temperature at or near energy sourcesupply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ), an operator of energy source supplysystem 1400 (FIG. 14 ) can review the current ambient temperaturedetected by the ambient temperature sensor.

In many embodiments, energy source safety management system 1422 cancomprise a pressure regulator pressure sensor. The pressure regulatorpressure sensor can detect a pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy sourceafter the hydrogen fuel energy source has been limited to thepredetermined pressure by pressure regulator 1501. Accordingly, whenpressure regulator 1501 is operating properly, the pressure detected bypressure regulator pressure sensor is approximately equal to thepredetermined pressure of pressure regulator 1501. In some embodiments,the pressure regulator pressure sensor can be part of SDT subsystem 1403(FIG. 14 ), as described below.

In some embodiments, energy source safety management system 1422 cancomprise an inlet pressure sensor and/or an inlet temperature sensorupstream of thermal control device(s) 1502. In these or otherembodiments, energy source safety management system 1422 can comprise anoutlet pressure sensor and/or an outlet temperature sensor downstream ofthermal control device(s) 1502. The inlet pressure sensor can detect apressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source upstream of thermal controldevice(s) 1502, and the inlet temperature sensor can detect atemperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source upstream of thermalcontrol device(s) 1502. Meanwhile, the outlet pressure sensor can detecta pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source downstream of thermalcontrol device(s) 1502, and the outlet temperature sensor can detect atemperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source downstream of thermalcontrol device(s) 1502. In some embodiments, the inlet pressure sensor,the inlet temperature sensor, the outlet pressure sensor, and/or theoutlet temperature sensor can be part of SDT subsystem 1403 (FIG. 14 ),as described below.

In many embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermalcontrol device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can beinterchangeable with one or more other thermal control devices atdifferent times, and when thermal control device(s) 1502 comprisemultiple thermal control devices, can be interchangeable with eachother. For example, interchanging a thermal control device of thermalcontrol device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503) with anotherthermal control device can permit a different temperature reduction tobe applied to the hydrogen fuel energy source, as desired. In these orother embodiments, the thermal control device of thermal controldevice(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503) can be decoupled fromenergy source safety management system 1422 and replaced with the otherthermal control device (e.g., thermal control device 1504 or anotherthermal control device) in order to interchange the thermal controldevice with the other thermal control device.

Referring now back to FIG. 14 , in many embodiments, thermal managementsystem 1408 can be configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool) at leastpart of first energy source supply subsystem 1401 (e.g., holding storagevessel(s) 1410) to prevent or mitigate thermal stress on energy sourcesupply system 1400. In some embodiments, thermally managing (e.g.,cooling) holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can prevent holding storagevessel(s) 1410 from overheating when holding storage vessel(s) 1410 aresupplying the hydrogen fuel energy source to first energy source supplysubsystem output mechanism 1412. For example, in many embodiments,thermal management system 1408 can be in thermal communication withholding storage vessel(s) 1410.

In implementation, thermal management system 1408 can comprise anysuitable device or devices configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool)at least part of first energy source supply subsystem 1401 (e.g.,holding storage vessel(s) 1410). For example, in some embodiments,thermal management system 1408 can comprise one or more heat sinks, oneor more thermoelectric coolers, one or more forced air devices (e.g.,one or more fans), etc.

In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy source supplysystem 1400 is similar or identical to appliance energy source supplysystem 114 (FIG. 1 ), second energy source supply subsystem 1402 can besimilar or identical to second appliance energy source supply subsystem116 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa. In other embodiments, such as, forexample, when energy source supply system 1400 is similar or identicalto hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1 ), second energy sourcesupply subsystem 1402 can be similar or identical to second hub energysource supply subsystem 120 (FIG. 1 ), and vice versa.

Further, in some embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem 1402can be similar or identical to second energy source supply subsystem 302(FIG. 3 ). For example, in some embodiments, second energy source supplysubsystem 1402 can be configured to make available a second energysource to receiver vehicle 1420 and/or energy source supply appliance1405, and the second energy source can comprise an electrical energysource (i.e., electricity). In many embodiments, receiver vehicle 1420can be similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1(e.g., receiver vehicle 111 (FIG. 1 )). In many embodiments, secondappliance energy source supply subsystem 1402 can make available theelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity) to receiver vehicle 1420and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 when first appliance energysource supply subsystem 1401 is making available the hydrogen fuelenergy source to receiver vehicle 1404 and/or energy source supplyappliance 1405.

In many embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can be similar or identical toSDT subsystem 303 (FIG. 3 ). For example, SDT subsystem 1403 can beconfigured to log performance data of energy source supply system 1400.In these or other embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can be configured tomonitor energy source supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy sourcesupply subsystem 1401 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 1402)and diagnose problems affecting energy source supply system 1400 (e.g.,first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second energy sourcesupply subsystem 1402). For example, in some embodiments, SDT subsystem1403 can compare measured parameters (e.g., voltage, current, pressure,temperature, etc.) applying to energy source supply system 1400 (e.g.,first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second energy sourcesupply subsystem 1402) to predetermined boundary conditions to determineif the measured parameters are outside of the boundary conditions (e.g.,over/under voltage, over/under current, over/under pressure, over/undertemperature, etc.) or are trending toward an out-of-bounds condition.Based on the severity of the out-of-bounds condition and/or thecriticality of the affected portion or portions of energy source supplysystem 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/orsecond energy source supply subsystem 1402) can identify anout-of-bounds condition as being non-impactful, as requiring attentionwithin a designated time frame (i.e., an alert condition), as requiringimmediate attention (i.e., an alarm condition), or as being a systemfailure. In many embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can deactivate energysource supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem1401 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 1402) or the affectedportion or portions of energy source supply system 1400 (e.g., firstenergy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second energy source supplysubsystem 1402) in the event of an alarm condition or system failure.

In implementation, SDT subsystem 1403 can comprise one or more sensorsconfigured to measure one or more parameters (e.g., voltage, current,pressure, temperature, etc.) applying to energy source supply system1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or secondenergy source supply subsystem 1402). Further, SDT subsystem 1403 cancomprise one or more microcontrollers configured to log performance dataof energy source supply system 1400 and/or to analyze the one or moreparameters measured by the sensor(s) and compare the parameters to thepredetermined boundary conditions. Further still, SDT subsystem 1403 cancomprise one or more safety devices configured to prevent propagationand/or amplification of failures in energy source supply system 1400(e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second energysource supply subsystem 1402). Exemplary safety device(s) can includefuses, circuit breakers, stop valves, blow-off valves, etc. In theseembodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 (e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDTsubsystem 1403) can activate one or more of the safety device(s) of SDTsubsystem 1403 to prevent propagation and/or amplification of failuresin energy source supply system 1400, such as, for example, in responseto one or more parameters measured by the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem1403 and/or analyzed by the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 1403.Further, in some embodiments, in determining when to activate one ormore of the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 1403, SDT subsystem 1403(e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 1403) can use adaptivelogic and/or machine learning to build upon a failure mode effectcriticality analysis (FMECA) of energy source supply system 1400. Forexample, the FMECA can be based on one or more look-up tables ofpotential faults and the associated consequences, severity, and/orprobability of the potential faults. In further embodiments, the look-uptables can establish where the sensor(s) and/or safety device(s) of SDTsubsystem 1403 are located within energy source supply system 1400. Insome embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 (e.g., the microcontroller(s) ofSDT subsystem 1403) can confirm the presences of faults using anomalytest logic prior to activating one or more of the safety device(s) ofSDT subsystem 1403.

In some embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can be configured to implement alearning logic flow. For example, SDT subsystem 1403 can characterizethe sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 1403, rate the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem1403 for criticality, implement a baseline operation, poll the sensor(s)of SDT subsystem 1403 for operational data, compare the operational datato alert and alarm lookup tables, and trigger alert and alarmnotifications when operational data is outside accepted tolerances ofthe alert and alarm lookup tables. Polling frequency and comparisons canbe added or modified based on occurrences of the operational data beingoutside accepted tolerance of the alert and alarm lookup tables.

In many embodiments, control subsystem 1424 can be similar or identicalto control subsystem 324 (FIG. 3 ). For example, in many embodiments,control subsystem 1424 can be configured to control energy source supplysystem 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401, secondenergy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403, communicationsubsystem 1421, and/or electric power subsystem 1425). For example, inmany embodiments, control subsystem 1424 can comprise a computer system.In some embodiments, the computer system can be similar or identical tocomputer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ).

In many embodiments, communication subsystem 1421 can be similar oridentical to communication subsystem 321 (FIG. 3 ). For example, in manyembodiments, communication subsystem 1421 can be configured to providecommunication between first energy source supply subsystem 1401, secondenergy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403, controlsubsystem 1424, and/or electric power subsystem 1425, and/or withinfirst energy source supply subsystem 1401, second energy source supplysubsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403, control subsystem 1424, and/orelectric power subsystem 1425. In implementation, communicationsubsystem 1421 can comprise a control area network vehicle bus (CANbus).

In some embodiments, communication subsystem 1421 can accept cellularnetwork communication (via a cellular network transponder), which mayinclude deployment directions for energy source supply system 1400. Insome embodiments, deployment directions for energy source supply system1400 can be provided based on a location of receiver vehicle 1404 and/orreceiver vehicle 1420, and/or a time to on-site energy transfer(service) calculation. The location and timing information can berelayed by communication subsystem 1421 to control subsystem 1424 toinitiate a system readiness polling of SDT subsystem 1403 and electricpower subsystem 1425. Based on confirmation of acceptable pollingresults (e.g., functionality and safety checklist), control subsystem1424 can instruct second energy source supply subsystem 1402 to initiatepreparatory actions necessary to transfer energy to receiver vehicle1404 and/or receiver vehicle 1420 within the timeframe of the expectedarrival at location or locations of receiver vehicle 1404 and/orreceiver vehicle 1420. Based on confirmation of acceptable pollingresults control subsystem 1424 also can instruct thermal managementsubsystem 1408 to initiate a pre-cool down procedure of second energysource supply subsystem 1402. Implementing a pre-cool down procedure canavoid thermal and mechanical stresses to equipment, thereby increasingequipment life, decreasing a probability of thermal related failuremodes/safety events, and/or more efficiently applying on-platformcooling potential energy, such as, for example, by avoiding steady stateenvironmental temperature maintenance. In some embodiments, the pre-cooldown procedure can be implemented without using energy from secondenergy source supply subsystem 1402, and/or with minimum propagationdelay because it can be performed with solid state thermal management.

In many embodiments, electric power subsystem 1425 can be similar oridentical to electric power subsystem 325 (FIG. 3 ). For example, inmany embodiments, electric power subsystem 1425 can be configured toelectrically power one or more (e.g., all) electrical components ofenergy source supply system 1400, first energy source supply subsystem1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403,control subsystem 1404, and/or communication subsystem 1421.Accordingly, in these embodiments, electric power subsystem 1425 can becoupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to any electrical components ofenergy source supply system 1400, first energy source supply subsystem1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403,control subsystem 1404, and/or communication subsystem 1421 thatelectric power subsystem 1425 is configured to electrically power.

In implementation, electric power subsystem 1425 can comprise one ormore rechargeable energy storage systems. For example, in theseembodiments, the rechargeable energy storage system(s) can store anelectrical energy source (i.e., electricity) and make available theelectrical energy source to one or more (e.g., all) electricalcomponents of energy source supply system 1400, first energy sourcesupply subsystem 1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402, SDTsubsystem 1403, control subsystem 1404, and/or communication subsystem1421. Further, in these embodiments, the rechargeable energy storagesystem(s) can comprise (a) one or more electrochemical cells (e.g., oneor more batteries), (b) one or more capacitive energy storage systems(e.g., super capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors),and/or (c) one or more inertial energy storage systems (e.g., one ormore flywheels).

Further, electric power subsystem 1425 can comprise a battery charger.The battery charger can be configured to receive an electrical energysource (i.e., electricity), such as, for example, from a utilityelectric grid, and to make available the electrical energy source to therechargeable energy storage system(s) of electric power subsystem 1425.

In many embodiments, thermal management system 1408 can be configured tothermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of electric power subsystem1425. Thermally managing electric power subsystem 1425 can improve anoperating efficiency of electric power subsystem 1425. For example, inmany embodiments, thermal management system 1408 can be in thermalcommunication with electric power subsystem 1425.

In some embodiments, thermal management system 1408 can comprise areservoir of coolant, a distribution circuit configured to deliver thecoolant to the part or parts of energy source supply system 1400 thatthermal management system 1408 is thermally managing, a heat exchangersubsystem to accept and vent heat transferred to the coolant by the partor parts of energy source supply system 1400 that thermal managementsystem 1408 is thermally managing, a coolant distribution controllerconfigured to control distribution of the coolant through thedistribution circuit, distributed temperature sensors to providetemperature data to the coolant distribution controller about the partor parts of energy source supply system 1400 that thermal managementsystem 1408 is thermally managing, and end cooling plates configured toput the coolant in thermal contact with any part or parts of energysource supply system 1400 that thermal management system 1408 isthermally managing.

In many embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy source supplysystem 1400 can be positioned to minimize thermal and/or electromagneticinterference at energy source supply system 1400. Positioning of one ormore elements of energy source supply system 1400 can be determined inview of a volume available to house the elements of energy source supplysystem 1400, a shared thermal stress of the elements of energy sourcesupply system 1400, and/or a risk of electromagnetically induced crosstalk or interference. In some embodiments, one or more of the elementsof energy source supply system 1400 can be positioned such that highpower electrical pathways are separate from data, sensor, and lowvoltage electrical signals. In further embodiments, coolant for thermalmanagement system 1408 can be separately routed to maximize volume formodular expansion of energy source supply system 1400. In manyembodiments, separating high power electrical pathways from data,sensor, and low voltage electrical signals and/or separately routingcoolant for thermal management system 1408 can permit optimal access tothe elements of energy source supply system 1400 for repair andmaintenance of energy source supply system 1400. In some embodiments,one or more of the elements of energy source supply system 1400 can bepositioned to support a directional flow of heat generated by energysource supply system 1400 rather than unidirectional heat radiation, andto minimize the formation of hot spots in energy source supply system1400. In further embodiments, one or more elements of energy sourcesupply system 1400 can be positioned to permit modularity of one or moreelements of energy source supply system 1400.

Although energy source supply system 1400 is generally described forembodiments where the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuelenergy source, in some embodiments, first energy source can compriseanother fuel energy source, such as, for example, a natural gas fuelenergy source.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of method 1600 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) an energysource supply device. Method 1600 is merely exemplary and is not limitedto the embodiments presented herein. Method 1600 can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. In some embodiments, the activities of method 1600 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activitiesof the method 1600 can be performed in any other suitable order. Instill other embodiments, one or more of the activities in method 1600can be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the energy sourcesupply device can be similar or identical to one of energy source supplydevice(s) 101 of FIG. 1 (e.g., one of energy source supply hub(s) 105(FIG. 1 ) and/or one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (FIG. 1)).

In many embodiments, method 1600 can comprise activity 1601 of providingan appliance energy source supply system. In many embodiments, theappliance energy source supply system can be similar or identical toappliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1 ), energy sourcesupply system 300 (FIG. 3 ), and/or energy source supply system 1400(FIG. 14 ). FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary activity 1601, according tothe embodiment of FIG. 16 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 1601 can comprise activity1701 of providing a first appliance energy source supply subsystem. Insome embodiments, the first appliance energy source supply subsystem canbe similar or identical to first appliance energy source supplysubsystem 115 (FIG. 1 ), first energy source supply subsystem 301 (FIG.3 ), and/or first energy source supply subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14 ). FIG.18 illustrates an exemplary activity 1701, according to the embodimentof FIG. 16 .

In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity 1801 ofproviding a pressure regulator. In some embodiments, the pressureregulator can be similar or identical to pressure regulator 1501 (FIG.15 ).

In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity 1802 ofproviding one or more (e.g., multiple) thermal control devices. In someembodiments, the thermal control device(s) can be similar or identicalto thermal control device(s) 1502 (FIG. 15 ).

In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity 1803 ofproviding a flow manifold. In some embodiments, the flow manifold can besimilar or identical to flow manifold 1505 (FIG. 15 ). In otherembodiments, activity 1803 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity 1804 ofcoupling the pressure regulator to the thermal control device(s). Forexample, in some embodiments, performing activity 1804 can be similar oridentical to coupling pressure regulator 1501 (FIG. 15 ) to thermalcontrol device(s) 1502 (FIG. 15 ) as described above with respect toenergy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). FIG. 19 illustrates anexemplary activity 1804, according to the embodiment of FIG. 16 .

In many embodiments, activity 1804 can comprise activity 1901 ofcoupling the flow manifold to the pressure regulator. For example, insome embodiments, performing activity 1901 can be similar or identicalto coupling flow manifold 1505 (FIG. 15 ) to pressure regulator 1501(FIG. 15 ) as described above with respect to energy source supplysystem 1400 (FIG. 14 ). In some embodiments, activity 1901 can beomitted, such as, for example, when activity 1803 is omitted.

In many embodiments, activity 1804 can comprise activity 1902 ofcoupling the flow manifold to the thermal control device(s). Forexample, in some embodiments, performing activity 1902 can be similar oridentical to coupling flow manifold 1505 (FIG. 15 ) to thermal controldevice(s) 1502 (FIG. 15 ) as described above with respect to energysource supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). In some embodiments, activity 1902can be omitted, such as, for example, when activity 1803 is omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 18 , in many embodiments, activity 1701 cancomprise activity 1805 of providing a flow controller. In someembodiments, the flow controller can be similar or identical to flowcontroller 1506 (FIG. 15 ). In other embodiments, activity 1805 can beomitted, such as, for example, when activity 1803 is omitted.

In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity 1806 ofelectrically coupling the flow controller to the flow manifold. Forexample, in some embodiments, performing activity 1806 can be similar oridentical to electrically coupling flow controller 1506 (FIG. 15 ) toflow manifold 1505 (FIG. 15 ) as described above with respect to energysource supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). In some embodiments, activity 1806can be omitted, such as, for example, when activity 1805 is omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 17 , in some embodiment, activity 1601 cancomprise activity 1702 of providing a second appliance energy sourcesupply subsystem. In some embodiments, the second appliance energysource supply subsystem can be similar or identical second applianceenergy source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1 ), second energy sourcesupply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3 ), and/or second energy source supplysubsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ). In some embodiments, activity 1702 can beomitted.

In many embodiments, activity 1601 can comprise activity 1703 ofcoupling the second appliance energy source supply subsystem to thefirst appliance energy source supply subsystem. For example, in someembodiments, performing activity 1703 can be similar or identical tocoupling second energy source supply subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14 ) to firstenergy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14 ) as described above withrespect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). In otherembodiments, activity 1703 can be omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 16 , in many embodiments, method 1600 cancomprise activity 1602 of providing an appliance vehicle. In someembodiments, the appliance vehicle can be similar or identical toappliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, activity 1602 canbe omitted.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 20 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of method 2000. Method 2000 is merely exemplary and is notlimited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 2000 can be employedin many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the activities ofmethod 2000 can be performed in the order presented. In otherembodiments, the procedures, the activities of the method 2000 can beperformed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, oneor more of the activities in method 2000 can be combined or skipped.

In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2001 of receivinga hydrogen fuel energy source at an appliance energy source supplysubsystem. For example, in some embodiments, performing activity 2001can be similar or identical to receiving a hydrogen fuel energy sourceat appliance energy source supply subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14 ) as describedabove with respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ).Further, the appliance energy source supply subsystem can be similar oridentical to appliance energy source supply subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14 ).In further embodiments, performing activity 2001 can comprise receivingthe hydrogen fuel energy source at the appliance energy source supplysubsystem when the appliance energy supply subsystem is located at afirst location.

In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2002 of limitingthe hydrogen fuel energy source to a predetermined pressure. Forexample, in some embodiments, performing activity 2002 can be similar oridentical to limiting the hydrogen fuel energy source to a predeterminedpressure as described above with respect to energy source supply system1400 (FIG. 14 ). In further embodiments, activity 2002 can be performedafter activity 2001.

In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2003 of selectingone of a first thermal control device or a second thermal control deviceto receive the hydrogen fuel energy source. For example, in someembodiments, performing activity 2003 can be similar or identical toselecting one of first thermal control device 1503 (FIG. 15 ) or secondthermal control device 1504 (FIG. 15 ) to receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source as described above with respect to energy source supplysystem 1400 (FIG. 14 ). Further, the first thermal control device can besimilar or identical to first thermal control device 1503 (FIG. 15 );and/or the second thermal control device can be similar or identical tosecond thermal control device 1504 (FIG. 15 ). FIG. 21 illustrates anexemplary activity 2003, according to the embodiment of FIG. 20 .

In many embodiments, activity 2003 can comprise activity 2101 ofselecting the one of the first thermal control device or the secondthermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source basedon a current ambient temperature at the receiver vehicle. In someembodiments, performing activity 2101 can be similar or identical toselecting the one of the first thermal control device or the secondthermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source basedon a current ambient temperature at the receiver vehicle as describedabove with respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). Inother embodiments, activity 2101 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, activity 2003 can comprise activity 2102 ofselecting the one of the first thermal control device or the secondthermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source basedon a current clock time. In some embodiments, performing activity 2102can be similar or identical to selecting the one of the first thermalcontrol device or the second thermal control device to receive thehydrogen fuel energy source based on a current clock time as describedabove with respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). Inother embodiments, activity 2102 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, activity 2003 can comprise activity 2103 ofselecting the one of the first thermal control device or the secondthermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source basedon a current date. In some embodiments, performing activity 2103 can besimilar or identical to selecting the one of the first thermal controldevice or the second thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuelenergy source based on a current date as described above with respect toenergy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). In other embodiments,activity 2103 can be omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 20 , in many embodiments, method 2000 cancomprise activity 2004 of making available the hydrogen fuel energysource to a receiver vehicle. For example, in some embodiments,performing activity 2004 can be similar or identical to making availablethe hydrogen fuel energy source to a receiver vehicle as described abovewith respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). Further,the receiver vehicle can be similar or identical to one of receivervehicle(s) 109 (FIG. 1 ) and/or receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 3 ). Infurther embodiments, activity 2004 can be performed after activity 2001,activity 2002, and/or activity 2003. In many embodiments, performingactivity 2004 can comprise receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source atthe one of the first thermal control device or the second thermalcontrol device. In these or other embodiments, performing activity 2004can comprise making available the hydrogen fuel energy source to thereceiver vehicle when the appliance energy supply subsystem is locatedat a second location different than the first location at which theappliance energy supply subsystem receives the hydrogen fuel energysource.

In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2005 ofinterchanging a third thermal control device with the one of the firstthermal control device or the second thermal control device. Forexample, in some embodiments, performing activity 2005 of interchanginga third thermal control device with the one of the first thermal controldevice or the second thermal control device as described above withrespect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14 ). Further, thethird thermal control device can be similar or identical to one ofthermal control device(s) 1502 (FIG. 15 ). In some embodiments, activity2005 can be performed before activity 2003.

Some embodiments of method 2000 can be implemented with a natural gasfuel energy source instead of a hydrogen fuel energy source.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of a computer system 2200, all of which or a portion of whichcan be suitable for implementing part or all of one or more embodimentsof the techniques, methods, and systems described herein. For example,in some embodiments, all or a portion of computer system 2200 can besuitable for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of thetechniques, methods, and/or systems described herein. Furthermore, oneor more elements of computer system 2200 (e.g., a refreshing monitor2206, a keyboard 2204, and/or a mouse 2210, etc.) also can beappropriate for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments ofthe techniques, methods, and/or systems described herein.

In many embodiments, computer system 2200 can comprise chassis 2202containing one or more circuit boards (not shown), a Universal SerialBus (USB) port 2212, a hard drive 2214, and an optical disc drive 2216.Meanwhile, for example, optical disc drive 2216 can comprise a CompactDisc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive, or aBlu-ray drive. Still, in other embodiments, a different or separate oneof a chassis 2202 (and its internal components) can be suitable forimplementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques,methods, and/or systems described herein.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 23 illustrates a representativeblock diagram of exemplary elements included on the circuit boardsinside chassis 2202 (FIG. 23 ). For example, a central processing unit(CPU) 2310 is coupled to a system bus 2314. In various embodiments, thearchitecture of CPU 2310 can be compliant with any of a variety ofcommercially distributed architecture families.

In many embodiments, system bus 2314 also is coupled to a memory storageunit 2308, where memory storage unit 2308 can comprise (i) non-volatilememory, such as, for example, read only memory (ROM) and/or (ii)volatile memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM). Thenon-volatile memory can be removable and/or non-removable non-volatilememory. Meanwhile, RAM can include dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM(SRAM), etc. Further, ROM can include mask-programmed ROM, programmableROM (PROM), one-time programmable ROM (OTP), erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM(EEPROM) (e.g., electrically alterable ROM (EAROM) and/or flash memory),etc. In these or other embodiments, memory storage unit 2308 cancomprise (i) non-transitory memory and/or (ii) transitory memory.

The memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed hereincan comprise memory storage unit 2308, an external memory storage drive(not shown), such as, for example, a USB-equipped electronic memorystorage drive coupled to universal serial bus (USB) port 2212 (FIGS. 22& 23 ), hard drive 2214 (FIGS. 22 & 23 ), optical disc drive 2216 (FIGS.22 & 23 ), a floppy disk drive (not shown), etc. As used herein,non-volatile and/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) refer to theportions of the memory storage device(s) that are non-volatile and/ornon-transitory memory.

In various examples, portions of the memory storage device(s) of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the non-volatilememory storage device(s)) can be encoded with a boot code sequencesuitable for restoring computer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ) to a functionalstate after a system reset. In addition, portions of the memory storagedevice(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions ofthe non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise microcode suchas a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible FirmwareInterface (UEFI) operable with computer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ). In thesame or different examples, portions of the memory storage device(s) ofthe various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of thenon-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise an operating system,which can be a software program that manages the hardware and softwareresources of a computer and/or a computer network. Meanwhile, theoperating system can perform basic tasks such as, for example,controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing ofinstructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitatingnetworking, and managing files. Exemplary operating systems can comprise(i) Microsoft® Windows® operating system (OS) by Microsoft Corp. ofRedmond, Wash., United States of America, (ii) Mac® OS by Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif., United States of America, (iii) UNIX® OS, and (iv)Linux® OS. Further, as used herein, the term “computer network” canrefer to a collection of computers and devices interconnected bycommunications channels that facilitate communications among users andallow users to share resources (e.g., an internet connection, anEthernet connection, etc.). The computers and devices can beinterconnected according to any conventional network topology (e.g.,bus, star, tree, linear, ring, mesh, etc.).

As used herein, the term “processor” means any type of computationalcircuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller,a controller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor,a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very longinstruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digitalsignal processor, or any other type of processor or processing circuitcapable of performing the desired functions. In some examples, the oneor more processors of the various embodiments disclosed herein cancomprise CPU 2310.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 23 , various I/O devices such as adisk controller 2304, a graphics adapter 2324, a video controller 2302,a keyboard adapter 2326, a mouse adapter 2306, a network adapter 2320,and other I/O devices 2322 can be coupled to system bus 2314. Keyboardadapter 2326 and mouse adapter 2306 are coupled to keyboard 2204 (FIGS.22 & 23 ) and mouse 2210 (FIGS. 22 & 23 ), respectively, of computersystem 2200 (FIG. 22 ). While graphics adapter 2324 and video controller2302 are indicated as distinct units in FIG. 23 , video controller 2302can be integrated into graphics adapter 2324, or vice versa in otherembodiments. Video controller 2302 is suitable for refreshing monitor2206 (FIGS. 22 & 23 ) to display images on a screen 2208 (FIG. 22 ) ofcomputer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ). Disk controller 2304 can control harddrive 2214 (FIGS. 22 & 23 ), USB port 2212 (FIGS. 22 & 23 ), and CD-ROMdrive 2216 (FIGS. 22 & 23 ). In other embodiments, distinct units can beused to control each of these devices separately.

Network adapter 2320 can be suitable to connect computer system 2200(FIG. 22 ) to a computer network by wired communication (e.g., a wirednetwork adapter) and/or wireless communication (e.g., a wireless networkadapter). In some embodiments, network adapter 2320 can be plugged orcoupled to an expansion port (not shown) in computer system 2200 (FIG.22 ). In other embodiments, network adapter 2320 can be built intocomputer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ). For example, network adapter 2320 canbe built into computer system 2200 (FIG. 22 ) by being integrated intothe motherboard chipset (not shown), or implemented via one or morededicated communication chips (not shown), connected through a PCI(peripheral component interconnector) or a PCI express bus of computersystem 2200 (FIG. 22 ) or USB port 2212 (FIG. 22 ).

Returning now to FIG. 22 , although many other components of computersystem 2200 are not shown, such components and their interconnection arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, furtherdetails concerning the construction and composition of computer system2200 and the circuit boards inside chassis 2202 are not discussedherein.

Meanwhile, when computer system 2200 is running, program instructions(e.g., computer instructions) stored on one or more of the memorystorage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein can beexecuted by CPU 2310 (FIG. 23 ). At least a portion of the programinstructions, stored on these devices, can be suitable for carrying outat least part of the techniques, methods, and activities of the methodsdescribed herein. In various embodiments, computer system 2200 can bereprogrammed with one or more systems, applications, and/or databases toconvert computer system 2200 from a general purpose computer to aspecial purpose computer.

Further, although computer system 2200 is illustrated as a desktopcomputer in FIG. 22 , in many examples, system 2200 can have a differentform factor while still having functional elements similar to thosedescribed for computer system 2200. In some embodiments, computer system2200 may comprise a single computer, a single server, or a cluster orcollection of computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers.Typically, a cluster or collection of servers can be used when thedemand on computer system 2200 exceeds the reasonable capability of asingle server or computer. In certain embodiments, computer system 2200may comprise a laptop computer system. In certain additionalembodiments, computer system 2200 may comprise an embedded system.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments isintended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is notintended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosureshall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. Forexample, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readilyapparent that any element of FIGS. 1-23 may be modified, and that theforegoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does notnecessarily represent a complete description of all possibleembodiments. For example, one or more of the activities of method 400(FIG. 4 ), method 900 (FIG. 9 ), method 1200 (FIG. 12 ), method 1300(FIG. 13 ), method 1600 (FIG. 16 ), method 2000 (FIG. 20 ) or one ormore of the other methods described herein may include differentactivities and be performed by many different elements, in manydifferent orders.

Generally, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutesreconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages,and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specificembodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and anyelement or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solutionto occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed ascritical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all ofthe claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements arestated in such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a mobile hub comprising: amobile hub supply system comprising; a first mobile hub supplysubsystem; and a second mobile hub supply subsystem; and a mobile hubvehicle configured to transport the mobile hub supply system; a firstmobile appliance comprising: a first mobile appliance supply systemcomprising: a first mobile appliance supply subsystem configured toreceive a first energy source from the first mobile hub supplysubsystem; and a second mobile appliance supply subsystem configured to:receive a second energy source from the second mobile hub supplysubsystem, the second energy source being different than the firstenergy source; and (a) receive the first energy source from the firstmobile hub supply subsystem or the mobile first appliance supplysubsystem; and (b) convert the first energy source to the second energysource by a mobile appliance fuel cell system of the second mobileappliance supply subsystem; and a first mobile appliance vehicleconfigured to transport the first mobile appliance supply system:proximal to the mobile hub to receive the first energy source from thefirst mobile hub supply subsystem or the second energy source from thesecond mobile hub supply subsystem; and to make available, within afirst mobile appliance operating zone for the first mobile appliance:the first energy source to a first receiver vehicle for using the firstenergy source to motively power the first receiver vehicle, the firstreceiver vehicle being different than the first mobile appliancevehicle; and the second energy source to a second receiver vehicle forusing the second energy source to motively power the second receivervehicle, the second receiver vehicle being different than the firstmobile appliance vehicle and the first receiver vehicle; and a secondmobile appliance comprising: a second mobile appliance supply systemcomprising: a third mobile appliance supply subsystem configured toreceive the first energy source from the first mobile hub supplysubsystem; and a second mobile appliance vehicle configured to transportthe second mobile appliance supply system: to make available, within asecond mobile appliance operating zone for the second mobile appliance:the first energy source to the first receiver vehicle for using thefirst energy source to motively power the first receiver vehicle, thefirst receiver vehicle being different than the second mobile appliancevehicle, the first mobile appliance vehicle, and the second receivervehicle, wherein: the mobile hub vehicle is further configured totransport the mobile hub supply system within a mobile hub operatingzone for the mobile hub to make available the second energy sourcedirectly to the second receiver vehicle, regardless of whether the firstmobile appliance or the second mobile appliance is present; a mobile hubgeographic area of the mobile hub operating zone, a first mobileappliance geographic area of the first mobile appliance operating zone,and a second mobile appliance geographic area of the second mobileappliance operating zone are different from each other; the secondmobile hub supply subsystem further comprises a mobile hub fuel cellsystem configured to convert the first energy source to the secondenergy source; and the second mobile hub supply subsystem is furtherconfigured to: (a) receive the first energy source from the first mobilehub supply subsystem, and (b) convert the first energy source receivedfrom the first mobile hub supply subsystem to the second energy sourceby using the mobile hub fuel cell system.
 2. The system of claim 1wherein at least one of: the first energy source comprises a hydrogenfuel energy source; or the second energy source comprises an electricalenergy source.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein: the mobile hub vehicleis further configured to transport the mobile hub supply system withinthe mobile hub operating zone to make available the first energy sourcedirectly to the first receiver vehicle.
 4. The system of claim 2wherein: the mobile hub supply system is configured to receive the firstenergy source from a non-mobile energy source supply station.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein: the first energy source comprises a hydrogenfuel energy source; and the second energy source comprises an electricalenergy source.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein: the second energysource comprises an electrical energy source; and the second mobileappliance supply subsystem of the first mobile appliance supply systemfurther comprises at least one of: an electric power converterconfigured to convert a voltage of the electrical energy source; or anelectrical energy storage system configured to store the electricalenergy source.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein: the first energy sourcecomprises a hydrogen fuel energy source.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein: the third mobile appliance supply subsystem of the secondmobile appliance supply system of the second mobile appliance isconfigured to be transported by the second mobile appliance vehicle tomake available the first energy source received from the first mobilehub supply subsystem to the first receiver vehicle.
 9. The system ofclaim 8 wherein: the first mobile appliance operating zone and thesecond mobile appliance operating zone overlap each other.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein: the second mobile appliance supply system ofthe second mobile appliance further comprises a fourth mobile appliancesupply subsystem configured to be transported by the second mobileappliance vehicle to make available the second energy source to thesecond receiver vehicle.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein: the firstmobile appliance operating zone and the second mobile applianceoperating zone overlap each other.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the mobile hub geographic area, the first mobile appliancegeographic area, or the second mobile appliance geographic area isdetermined using at least one zone pattern factor inputted into analgorithm.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one zonepattern factor comprises at least one of: real time traffic conditions;modeled traffic conditions; real time weather conditions; modeledweather conditions; road placement; empirical testing; servicerequirements for the first receiver vehicle or the second receivervehicle; service requirements for the mobile hub; or servicerequirements for the first mobile appliance or the second mobileappliance.
 14. A method comprising: providing a mobile hub by: providinga mobile hub supply system comprising; a first mobile hub supplysubsystem; and a second mobile hub supply subsystem, wherein: a mobilehub vehicle is configured to transport the mobile hub supply system;providing a first mobile appliance by: providing a first mobileappliance supply system comprising: a first mobile appliance supplysubsystem configured to receive a first energy source from the firstmobile hub supply subsystem; and a second mobile appliance supplysubsystem configured to: receive a second energy source from the secondmobile hub supply subsystem, the second energy source being differentthan the first energy source; and (a) receive the first energy sourcefrom the first mobile hub supply subsystem or the first mobile appliancesupply subsystem; and (b) convert the first energy source to the secondenergy source by a mobile appliance fuel cell system of the secondmobile appliance supply subsystem, wherein: the first mobile appliancesupply system is configured to be transported by a first mobileappliance vehicle: proximal to the mobile hub to receive the firstenergy source from the first mobile hub supply subsystem or the secondenergy source from the second mobile hub supply subsystem; and to makeavailable, within a first mobile appliance operating zone for the firstmobile appliance:  the first energy source to a first receiver vehiclefor using the first energy source to motively power the first receivervehicle, the first receiver vehicle being different than the firstmobile appliance vehicle; and  the second energy source to a secondreceiver vehicle for using the second energy source to motively powerthe second receiver vehicle, the second receiver vehicle being differentthan the first mobile appliance vehicle and the first receiver vehicle;and providing a second mobile appliance by: providing a second mobileappliance supply system comprising: a third mobile appliance supplysubsystem configured to receive the first energy source from the firstmobile hub supply subsystem, wherein: the second mobile appliance supplysystem is configured to be transported by a second mobile appliancevehicle: to make available, within a second mobile appliance operatingzone for the second mobile appliance, the first energy source to thefirst receiver vehicle for using the first energy source to motivelypower the first receiver vehicle, wherein: the mobile hub vehicle isfurther configured to transport the mobile hub supply system within amobile hub operating zone for the mobile hub to make available thesecond energy source directly to the second receiver vehicle, regardlessof whether the first mobile appliance or the second mobile appliance ispresent; a mobile hub geographic area of the mobile hub operating zone,a first mobile appliance geographic area of the first mobile applianceoperating zone, and a second mobile appliance geographic area of thesecond mobile appliance operating zone are different from each other;the second mobile hub supply subsystem further comprises a mobile hubfuel cell system configured to convert the first energy source to thesecond energy source; and the second mobile hub supply subsystem isfurther configured to: (a) receive the first energy source from thefirst mobile hub supply subsystem, and (b) convert the first energysource received from the first mobile hub supply subsystem to the secondenergy source by using the mobile hub fuel cell system.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein: the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuelenergy source; and the second energy source comprises an electricalenergy source.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of themobile hub geographic area, the first mobile appliance geographic area,or the second mobile appliance geographic area is determined using atleast one zone pattern factor inputted into an algorithm.
 17. A methodcomprising: moving a first mobile appliance proximal to a mobile hub,wherein: the mobile hub comprises a mobile hub supply system configuredto be transported; the mobile hub supply system comprises: (a) a firstmobile hub supply subsystem configured to make available a hydrogen fuelenergy source, and (b) a second mobile hub supply subsystem configuredto make available a second energy source; the first mobile appliancecomprises a first mobile appliance supply system; and the first mobileappliance supply system comprises: (a) a first mobile appliance supplysubsystem, and (b) a second mobile appliance supply subsystem; aftermoving the first mobile appliance proximal to the mobile hub, receivingthe hydrogen fuel energy source from the mobile hub at the first mobileappliance supply subsystem; after receiving the hydrogen fuel energysource at the first mobile appliance supply subsystem, moving the firstmobile appliance proximal to a first receiver vehicle within a firstmobile appliance operating zone for the first mobile appliance; andafter moving the first mobile appliance proximal to the first receivervehicle, supplying the hydrogen fuel energy source from the first mobileappliance supply subsystem to the first receiver vehicle for using thehydrogen fuel energy source to motively power the first receivervehicle, wherein: the second mobile appliance supply subsystem of thefirst mobile appliance supply system is configured to: receive thesecond energy source from the second mobile hub supply subsystem, thesecond energy source being different than the hydrogen fuel energysource; (a) receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from the firstmobile appliance supply subsystem; and (b) convert the hydrogen fuelenergy source to the second energy source by a mobile appliance fuelcell system of the second mobile appliance supply subsystem; and betransported within the first mobile appliance operating zone to makeavailable the second energy source (received from the second mobile hubsupply subsystem or converted by the mobile appliance fuel cell systemto a second receiver vehicle for using the second energy source) tomotively power the second receiver vehicle; the first mobile hub supplysubsystem is further configured to make available the hydrogen fuelenergy source to a second mobile appliance; the second mobile appliancecomprises a second mobile appliance supply system; the second mobileappliance supply system comprises a third mobile appliance supplysubsystem configured to be transported within a second mobile applianceoperating zone for the second mobile appliance to make available thehydrogen fuel energy source to the first receiver vehicle; the mobilehub supply system is further configured to be transported within amobile hub operating zone for the mobile hub to make available thesecond energy source directly to the second receiver vehicle, regardlessof whether the first mobile appliance or the second mobile appliance ispresent; a mobile hub geographic area of the mobile hub operating zone,a first mobile appliance geographic area of the first mobile applianceoperating zone, and a second mobile appliance geographic area of thesecond mobile appliance operating zone are different from each other;the second mobile hub supply subsystem further comprises a mobile hubfuel cell system configured to convert the hydrogen fuel energy sourceto the second energy source; and the second mobile hub supply subsystemis further configured to: (a) receive the hydrogen fuel energy sourcefrom the first mobile hub supply subsystem, and (b) convert the hydrogenfuel energy source received from the first mobile hub supply subsystemto the second energy source by using the mobile hub fuel cell system.18. The method of claim 17 wherein: the second energy source comprisesan electrical energy source.
 19. A system comprising: a mobile hubcomprising: a mobile hub supply system comprising a first mobile hubsupply subsystem and a second mobile hub supply subsystem; and a mobilehub vehicle configured to transport the mobile hub supply system withina mobile hub operating zone for the mobile hub; a first mobile appliancecomprising: a first mobile appliance supply system comprising: a firstmobile appliance supply subsystem configured to receive a first energysource from the first mobile hub supply subsystem; and a second mobileappliance supply subsystem configured to: receive the first energysource from the first mobile appliance supply subsystem; and convert thefirst energy source to a second energy source by a mobile appliance fuelcell system of the second mobile appliance supply subsystem; and a firstmobile appliance vehicle configured to transport the first mobileappliance supply system: proximal to the mobile hub to receive the firstenergy source from the first mobile hub supply subsystem; and to makeavailable, within a first mobile appliance operating zone for the firstmobile appliance: the first energy source to a first receiver vehiclefor using the first energy source to motively power the first receivervehicle, the first receiver vehicle being different than the firstmobile appliance vehicle; and the second energy source to a secondreceiver vehicle for using the second energy source to motively powerthe second receiver vehicle, the second receiver vehicle being differentthan the first mobile appliance vehicle and the first receiver vehicle;and a second mobile appliance comprising: a second mobile appliancesupply system comprising: a third mobile appliance supply subsystemconfigured to receive the first energy source from the first mobile hubsupply subsystem; and a second mobile appliance vehicle configured totransport the second mobile appliance supply system: to make available,within a second mobile appliance operating zone for the second mobileappliance: the first energy source to the first receiver vehicle forusing the first energy source to motively power the first receivervehicle, the first receiver vehicle being different than the secondmobile appliance vehicle, the first mobile appliance vehicle, and thesecond receiver vehicle, wherein: the mobile hub vehicle is furtherconfigured to transport the mobile hub supply system within the mobilehub operating zone to make available the second energy source directlyto the second receiver vehicle, regardless of whether the first mobileappliance or the second mobile appliance is present; a mobile hubgeographic area of the mobile hub operating zone, a first mobileappliance geographic area of the first mobile appliance operating zone,and a second mobile appliance geographic area of the second mobileappliance operating zone are different from each other; the secondmobile hub supply subsystem further comprises a mobile hub fuel cellsystem configured to convert the first energy source to the secondenergy source; and the second mobile hub supply subsystem is furtherconfigured to: (a) receive the first energy source from the first mobilehub supply subsystem, and (b) convert the first energy source receivedfrom the first mobile hub supply subsystem to the second energy sourceby using the mobile hub fuel cell system.
 20. The system of claim 19wherein: the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energysource; and the second energy source comprises an electrical energysource.
 21. The system of claim 19 wherein: the second energy sourcecomprises an electrical energy source; and the second mobile appliancesupply subsystem of the first mobile appliance supply system furthercomprises at least one of: an electric power converter configured toconvert a voltage of the electrical energy source; or an electricalenergy storage system configured to store the electrical energy source.